72067423R00014_Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator - CO signed.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72067423R00014

ISSUANCE DATE: June 06, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 05, 2023 Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

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 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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 Contact specified in the attachment 1.

Sincerely, Ifeoma Ezeh Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72067423R00014

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72067423R00014

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 06, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 05, 2023

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Engeline Sebego email at esebego@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908.00 - $ 129,878.00 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the above value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Southern Africa, Lesotho.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two years, estimated to start in October 2023.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: October 2023 to October 2025

Option Period 1: October 2025 to October 2026

Option Period 2: October 2026 to October 2027

Option Period 3: October 2027 to October 2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizens o U.S. CITIZEN: U.S. national (USN) means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S.

citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Security Clearance

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Introduction:

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Deputy Country Coordinator (DCC), reporting to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) in Lesotho, supports the full mandate of the PEPFAR

Coordination Office (PCO). The DCC works closely with the PCC to ensure communication and coordination among the various U.S. Government (USG) departments and agencies involved in the U.S.

President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Lesotho. This includes the U.S. Ambassador to

Lesotho and Deputy Chief of Mission, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), particularly the

Lesotho Country Support Team Lead, interagency core team, designated Embassy counterparts, and representatives of the PEPFAR Lesotho USG implementing agencies. In addition, the DCC is responsible for supporting coordination between USG agencies implementing PEPFAR and other partners including the

Government of Lesotho (GOL), bilateral and multilateral donors, implementing partners and civil society.

The DCC provides full support to the PCC and advice and counsel to other members of the PCO on all matters related to PEPFAR in Lesotho.

BACKGROUND

Launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush, PEPFAR holds a place in history as the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. In the first five years of the program, PEPFAR focused on establishing and scaling up prevention, care and treatment programs. It achieved success in expanding access to HIV prevention, care and treatment in low resource settings. During its first phase, PEPFAR supported the provision of treatment to more than 2 million people, care to more than 10 million people, including more than 4 million orphans and vulnerable children, and prevention of mother- to-child treatment services during nearly 16 million pregnancies.

Over the past 16 years, PEPFAR has had remarkable lifesaving results. As of September 30, 2019, the U.S.

President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supported antiretroviral treatment for nearly 15.7 million people, including nearly 700,000 children, helping secure the health and welfare of the family.

PEPFAR has enabled more than 2.6 million babies to be born HIV-free to mothers living with HIV. The program has provided critical care and support for 6.3 million orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers so they can survive and thrive.

PEPFAR has helped prevent HIV infection in men and boys, including by supporting nearly 22.8 million voluntary medical male circumcisions in eastern and southern Africa. Through the PEPFAR-led DREAMS

(Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) public-private partnership, new HIV diagnoses among adolescent girls and young women have declined by 25 percent or more in nearly all of the intervention regions implementing DREAMS across 10 high-burden African countries.

PEPFAR’s investments also have strengthened the systems that drive effective, efficient, and sustainable health care. PEPFAR has helped train nearly 280,000 health care workers in the last ten years to deliver and improve HIV care and other health services, creating a lasting health system inclusive of physical and human resource infrastructure for partner countries to confront other current and future health challenges.

In 2018, PEPFAR invested nearly $900 million on horizontal, above-site health systems strengthening, including over $141 million for horizontal laboratory systems. These efforts have improved the ability of countries with sizable HIV/AIDS burdens to swiftly address other outbreaks, such as Covid-19, Ebola, avian flu, and cholera, and strengthened the platform for global health security and protecting America’s borders.

PEPFAR is continuing to focus on the transition from an emergency response to building sustainable programs. These programs are country-owned and country-driven and address HIV/AIDS with a broader context of health and development. PEPFAR's program builds on past strengths and increases efficiencies by scaling up effective interventions and ensuring value. In December of 2018, the President of the United

States of America, signed the PEPFAR Extension Act of 2018, which extends provisions of the United States

Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 for an additional five years. This marks another significant moment in the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s (PEPFAR) history of lifesaving work. In the past 15 years, PEPFAR has enjoyed tremendous bipartisan support from eight U.S.

congresses and has been supported by three consecutive U.S. presidents.

SPECIFIC FOCUS AREAS IN LESOTHO

Lesotho has a total population of 2,007,201 people, 51% of whom are women and 32% of whom are under the age of 15.1 The country is divided into ten districts. Lesotho is classified as a lower middle-income country with a Human Development Index of 0.497 and a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of

$1,210.00. 2 Sixty-six percent of the population lives in rural areas.

Lesotho completed a national census in 2016, and these updated numbers have been incorporated into our population-level estimates in the UNAIDS Spectrum model along with the Lesotho Population Based

HIV/AIDS Impact Assessment (LePHIA) district prevalence, ARV-corrected incidence, and country 2018 program data. This model forms the basis for PEPFAR planning. Prevalence among men and women 15-59 is 25.6%. LePHIA results showed that women have a higher HIV prevalence than men at all ages, except for

55-59 years.

Beginning in COP18, all ten districts of Lesotho became “scale-up saturation” districts. PEPFAR Lesotho is supporting 207 health facilities across the ten districts in COP19 with Prevention of Mother-to-Child

Transmission (PMTCT), HIV testing, and HIV care and treatment. Voluntary medical male circumcision

(VMMC) services will be synergized between PEPFAR Lesotho and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GF), with services provided in the five lowland districts (Leribe, Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek) by PEPFAR Lesotho and in the five highland districts (Butha-Buthe, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka Qacha’s Nek, and Quthing) by GF. Key population (KP) activities will remain in Maseru and

Maputsoe, Leribe, urban centers that border South Africa, where female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are concentrated.

Lesotho continues to be ranked second highest in the world for HIV prevalence and highest in incidence among people 15-59 years. Incidence has seen a reduction from 1.9% in the 2014 Demographic and Health

Survey (DHS) to 1.1% in 2018.4 Lesotho was the first country in Africa to implement Test and Start in June

2016. In 2017, Lesotho adopted multi month dispensing (MMD) for stable patients. As Lesotho has reached HIV epidemic control, there will be an increased focus on harnessing efficiencies and sustainability of gains through a health system strengthening approach.

Duties and Responsibilities:

● Works under the direction of the PCC, provides day-to-day coordination in implementing the USG

PEPFAR strategy.

● Supports and complements the PCC as the focal point for all USG matters related to HIV and AIDS.

● Participates in PEPFAR Lesotho policy and technical discussions and strategic planning and negotiations with the Government of Lesotho (GOL), cooperating partners, and the USG interagency team to implement PEPFAR investment priorities.

● Applies knowledge and expertise in HIV and AIDS, primary health care, and health policy to situate effective HIV/AIDS strategies and programs within the broader health sector agenda.

● Interfaces among USG agencies to ensure full and effective implementation of all PEPFAR programs and initiatives. Works with SGAC to ensure the full implementation of all PEPFAR policies and directives from SGAC, and the timely submission of all PEPFAR documents including the

Country Operational Plan (COP), the PEPFAR Oversight Accountability and Reporting Team

(POARTs) and all other required documentation and reporting.

● Works with the PCC to lead the country team in the County Operational Plan (COP) process and ensure that the overall PEPFAR goals and objectives are met, including the timely and quality submission of all COP tools. Works closely with the PCC and agency strategic information (SI) and technical advisors and leads the development of reporting to OGAC. Through coordination of the inter-agency data streams, ensures appropriate documentation of programming and results achieved by programs implemented by all partners.

● Supports the goal of USG and Global Fund (GF) program coordination and joint planning by facilitating the working relationship with GF stakeholders both in-country and externally in order that activities will result in tangible and discrete improvements in program performance. Serves as the main POC for Global Fund Country Coordination Committee on behalf of the USG.

● Serves as Acting PCC when the PCC is out of the office.

Program Coordination and Planning:

The position provide leadership for the implementation and management of a cohesive PEPFAR program for Lesotho that makes the best use of the comparative advantages and competencies of participating USG agencies, achieves maximum results related to PEPFAR targets and GOL objectives for HIV and AIDS, and is optimally responsive to the needs of Lesotho citizens at risk for, infected by, or affected by AIDS. The incumbent ensures PEPFAR activities are aligned with GOL priorities, coordinates and keep agencies on task for interagency efforts i.e., reprogramming, results reporting, and provides all requisite related documentation to OGAC. Specifically, s/he:

● Communicates USG policy and technical direction to implementing agency leadership.

● Liaises with the PCC to manage communications with Embassy Maseru front office, including the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and public affairs offices.

● Assists in assuring the accountability of PEPFAR and other HIV and AIDS programs supported by the USG to administration officials, members of Congress, and the public through the development and communication of appropriate statements, reports, and representation, including leading management of interagency structures and flow of communication to ensure effective planning, reporting, and implementation of the program.

● Organizes and coordinates the logistical arrangement for interagency work.

● Manages all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR interagency team and PEPFAR Agency Leads group.

● Analyzes COP development guidance and disseminates to PEPFAR core team.

● Develops schedules, timelines, assignment lists, and databases that track the mandated planning and reporting processes.

● Coordinates the timely submission of all COP tools and requirements, including annual calendars and work plans for the production of the annual COP.

● Assist agency leads with budgeting during the COP process and ensures a balanced interagency budget for COP submission.

● Keeps agencies on task for interagency efforts i.e., reprogramming, results reporting and provides all requisite related documentation to OGAC.

● As assigned by the PCC, responds to OGAC’s routine and ad hoc requests for information and reports in a timely manner.

● Oversees the coordination of travel and meeting logistics for international visitors, including

VIPs, Core Team members, technical advisors, and others.

● Assists the PCC with coordinating PEPFAR activities and convening regular meetings with senior

GOL officials and multilateral partners.

● Acts as the PCC in his/her absence.

Budgeting, Personnel Management and Administration:

● Serves as the principal point of contact for Embassy/Maseru financial management of PEPFAR

State Budget, coordinating with the Ambassador Small Grants program as necessary.

● May have direct fiscal oversight of the budget of the PEPFAR Coordination office in collaboration with the PEPFAR Coordinator.

● With the PCC, develops and manages performance within the annual operating budget for the

PEPFAR State Budget, including quarterly financial reviews.

● Assists with and advises on the recruitment, screening and selection of staff, as needed.

● Develops effective work/training opportunities and manages the effective use of interns, summer hires, consultants and other temporary personnel.

● Serves as supervisor for 1-2 staff members on the PEPFAR Coordination Office team.

Program Monitoring & Evaluation:

In close collaboration with the PCC and agencies, the incumbent leads the preparation of the annual

Country Operational Plan (COP), quarterly, semi-annual and annual results reports, Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS), and responds to requests for data and information from OGAC. S/He prepares and disseminates periodic internal and external updates and status reports on PEPFAR in Lesotho, including budget information and results data. Internal audiences shall be limited to USG participants, including OGAC. External audiences shall include GOL partners, cooperating partners, nongovernmental implementing partners, and periodically (in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer) the

Lesotho media, and the general public. Specifically:

● Coordinates COP/Quarterly Reporting, S/APR Operational Plan update, institutional data calls and ad-hoc requests from SGAC with the agency SI point of contact and technical leads to ensure the country team understands the submission processes and tools, review and implications of target setting and results reporting.

● In collaboration with HQ, works closely with the agency SI Liaisons and HQ SI Liaison to define and report through the appropriate platform (DATIM, EA, etc.) PEPFAR Indicators within the country context.

● Supports the strengthening of the PEPFAR core team’s capacity to utilize data for program planning and target setting.

● Works with the PCC to assist the PEPFAR country team’s use of strategic information to inform the target setting process, Technical Working Group (TWG) work plans and policy decisions in the country.

● Planning and reporting including target setting and collection of results data, to ensure the planning and reporting process reflects current policy and guidance.

● Provides technical guidance with the development and preparation of reports and ad-hoc requests with agency SI advisors.

● Coordinates, collates and reports country-level data to OGAC. Ensure data checklists are completed and/or justifications were provided.

● Serves as a supportive liaison between the agency SI advisors and OGAC structures to help

Lesotho be responsive and provide accurate and informative monitoring data.

● Evaluates overall expenditures and financial data on a yearly basis to determine improved areas for programming, along with efficiency gains and cost savings.

● Participates in portfolio reviews as requested by the PEPFAR country team.

Global Fund Liaison:

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator supports the goal of USG and GF program coordination and joint planning, facilitates the working relationship with GF stakeholders both in-country and externally so as to ensure that activities result in tangible and discrete improvements in program performance. The position’s primary liaison function will be to advise on strategies for optimum and complementary investment of GF, USG, GOL and donor funding to achieve long-term sustainable reductions in the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. This responsibility will be carried out in close collaboration with the GOL, the GF, USG headquarters, the USG mission, and other strategic partners.

The incumbent acts as the USG lead advisor on current GF policy, financial, budget and program issues and how they may impact existing and future grants and national programs. The DCC will actively engage with

USG leadership in the country and at headquarters to proactively raise GF implementation challenges, including the need for potential technical assistance to resolve bottlenecks. S/he along with the PEPFAR and USG health teams will recommend and develop strategies for optimum cooperation with the GF principal recipients, and with USG partners and other agencies that are involved in providing GF related services and activities. Daily guidance and supervision will be provided by the PCC. However, the broader strategic goals and objectives of the role will be routinely guided, and adjusted as necessary, by a steering committee comprised of the USG in-country inter-agency team, the PEPFAR Coordinator, and the multilateral teams of OGAC and USAID. Specifically, duties include:

● Serve on the Lesotho Country Coordinating Mechanism (and associated committees as necessary) to represent the USG and GOL bilateral interests, along with the overall interests of the Lesotho HIV response.

● Working with USG and GF staff, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) members, and government, nongovernmental, donor and other program stakeholders to improve country strategic investments, minimize duplication of effort, and ensure grant performance especially around commodity procurement.

● Ensuring coordination on donor and project mapping and reporting between PEPFAR and GF programs.

● Keeping the USG PEPFAR core team, OGAC, and other relevant USG stakeholders informed on key GF matters and any foreseeable implementation challenges, including those related to the new grant allocation starting in August 2021.

● Advising the USG PEPFAR team on GF policy and governance matters that relate to country grant performance and coordination with PEPFAR activities.

● Reviewing and analyzing data and information on relevant technical areas as a basis for providing up-to-date information on inputs, effectiveness, outputs, and direct impact to programs.

● Participating in site visits and grant oversight activities to strengthen sound implementation, accurate reporting, and to identify technical assistance needs.

● Gathering performance and results data on GF grant activities, and generating, or providing input to, reports and communication materials to illustrate the direct and indirect performance of the grant activities.

Special Initiatives:

The DCC supports the PCC to respond to requests from the U.S. Embassy Front Office, OGAC, the GOL and cooperating partners regarding special initiatives, regional meetings, and conferences and other PEPFAR and/or HIV and AIDS related activities. S/He works with the USG interagency team to ensure that PEPFAR

Lesotho is adequately represented in meetings and conferences and responds to initiatives and special assignments, as appropriate. S/He facilitates the development of PEPFAR Lesotho materials that are disseminated internally and externally including informational materials, press releases, speeches, strategy documents, etc. The incumbent ensures that all materials emanating from the PEPFAR Lesotho office are of the highest professional quality.

Position Elements:

Responsibility for decision making: The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator, together with the US Ambassador to Lesotho and the PEPFAR Coordinator, is responsible for setting PEPFAR policy in-country, and as Deputy Country Coordinator, the incumbent will have decision-making authority within the parameters set by policies. In certain technical area(s), however, the Deputy Coordinator may have more decision-making latitude, as his/her specialized expertise will be required for directing overall program management and decision-making within this technical specialty. In these instances, the incumbent will be expected to exercise high level diplomacy, independent judgment that considers international best practices and to modify them as needed to fit the local context.

Complexity of work assignments/work environment: As this is a key position in the PEPFAR Lesotho team, much of the work is subject to the uncertain and ever-changing guidance from SGAC regarding program implementation. The rapidly growing body of knowledge around technical issues relating to HIV programming also requires continuous updating regarding new trends and policies and translating these changes into implementation at the local level. Given the changing landscape of PEPFAR to support sustainability, the Deputy Coordinator will be required to respond to a wide and varying array of challenges on a day-to-day basis, be versed in the latest programmatic research on sustainability and integration and must be prepared to multi-task at a high-level.

Knowledge level required: The Deputy Coordinator position requires professional mastery of both administrative and management responsibilities, monitoring and evaluation, finance and budget, as well as technical expertise in one or more areas related to the HIV/AIDS response.

Supervisory controls: Overall program direction is set by the PEPFAR Coordinator.

Availability of guidelines: Broad guidance is available both in the form of written guidelines (Department of State, OGAC, the World Health Organization) and direction from the PEPFAR Coordinator, as well as from the Government of Lesotho. A great degree of judgment is necessary to apply guidance to the local situation and to reconcile conflicting guidance.

Level and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will play a leadership role in establishing and maintaining senior professional contacts with Government of Lesotho officials (Ministry of Health, District Health Management Teams, CEO of the National AIDS Commission etc.). S/he will support the coordinator to coordinate PEPFAR activities with senior management officials with other USG agencies (CDC, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Peace Corps), the Global Fund, the private sector, local NGOs and civil society, and other donor and international organizations (e.g. UNAIDS). S/he will serve on the US Embassy Maseru’s country team.

Supervision/oversight of others: General direction and supervision is provided by the PEPFAR Country Coordinator. Within that direction, the incumbent and the coordinator define long-term work to be accomplished and set medium to long-term goals. The incumbent is then responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the agreed upon work independently.

While the incumbent will be a senior member of a very dynamic team in a fast-paced environment, he/she must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable for the effective performance of the PEPFAR Country Office and the ability for team members to work together to prioritize actions for effective implementation. The coordinator may supervise 1-2 staff members within the PEPFAR Coordination Office.

Education: Applicants for this position are expected to hold at least a master’s degree in public health or a related subject that affords an understanding of managing HIV and AIDS and public health initiatives.

Prior Work Experience: Five to seven years of progressive, professional level experience at the program management level with at least three years focus on HIV and AIDS is required. The incumbent should have a proven track record managing large teams and complex processes as well as experience living and working in developing countries. Prior experience with indirect or direct supervision of programs and staff are essential. Prior experience with fiscal management of large portfolio’s is critical.

Because this position is a high-level advisory position supporting the efforts of the PCC and the PCO, it demands an in. cumbent with credentials and credibility. Ability to perform at a senior level must be demonstrable, and experience applying effective communication and leadership skills is essential. An understanding of the global and local landscape for HIV and public health programming in Southern Africa is required. Experience with health, preferably HIV and AIDS, programs in the Africa region is desirable.

Skills: Ability to use software programs for internal management and presentations outside the Mission is required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in a team structure. Must have demonstrated experience in adapting to and working effectively in different cultures. The ideal candidate will have conflict negotiation and resolution skills. Must have prior experience supervising professional staff.

Language: Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing are required. The position has demanding writing responsibilities. Knowledge of the terms related to HIV and AIDS and health system issues related to service delivery is required.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, an applicant must have the following minimum qualifications:

● Education: Applicants for this position are expected to hold at least a master’s degree in public health or a related subject (e.g international development, public health management, public policy) that affords an understanding of managing HIV and AIDS and public health initiatives.

● Prior Work Experience: Five to seven years of progressive, professional level experience at the program management level with at least three years focus on HIV and AIDS is required.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.

The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The following factors, and points for each, will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always guaranteed. USAID may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror.

FACTOR #1 – Abilities and Skills (40 points)

● Demonstrated track record in representational roles at senior level within government and other fora is required.

● Experience in operating effectively in a multi cultural environment and working within an interagency setting.

● Must have prior experience supervising professional staff.

FACTOR #2 - Work Experience (40 Points)

● Five to seven years of progressive, professional level experience at the program management level with background in HIV/AIDS required.

● Experience working with country-level PEPFAR programs required.

● Should have a proven track record working with teams across organizational structures

● Proven track record of USG and non-USG partners to ensure coordination and complementarity of investments is required.

● Experience living and working in developing countries, including collaborating with host governments, non-governmental organizations, and other donors is required.

● Experience with HIV/AIDS programs, especially related to treatment and an understanding of the importance of a comprehensive program that includes both clinical and community interventions.

● The incumbent should have a proven track record managing large teams and complex processes as well as experience living and working in developing countries. Prior experience with indirect or direct supervision of programs and staff are essential. Prior experience with fiscal management of large portfolios is critical.

● The position is a high-level advisory position supporting the efforts of the PCC and the PCO, and requires an incumbent with credentials and credibility. Ability to perform at a senior level must be demonstrable, and experience applying effective communication and leadership skills is essential. An understanding of the global and local landscape for HIV and public health programming in Southern Africa is required. Experience with health, preferably HIV and AIDS, programs in the Africa region is desirable.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

● Excellent written English is required.

FACTOR #3 – Job Knowledge (20 points)

● Knowledge of PEPFAR programming.

● Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of the PEPFAR Coordination office.

● Demonstrated understanding of programming shifts in S/GAC for PEPFAR programs globally.

● Demonstrated understanding of programming priorities for epidemic control countries.

Total possible Factor points: 100

INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE – 100 points

Selection Process:

● After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for submission requirements and the established minimum requirements for the position. Applications that meet the minimum requirements will be forwarded to a Technical Evaluation Committee or TEC. The TEC will review each of the forwarded applications against the established evaluation criteria to develop a shortlist of applicants to be tested and possibly interviewed.

● Shortlisted applicants may be further evaluated. Assessments to include English writing, computer and other technical skills may be administered to determine competitively ranked applicants for possible interviews. Competitively ranked applicants may be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for the interviewed applicants.

● Following the interview, during which the applicant will be evaluated against the established criteria, the TEC will make a preliminary determination of applicants to be considered for employment and conduct and document reference checks. Please note that references may be solicited from current as well as former supervisors in addition to the references you provided in application packages.

References will only be solicited for those interviewed applicants who are being considered for ranking. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about their 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; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

● Based on this final input, the TEC will make its final decision on applicant ranking and submit a selection memo to the Contracting Officer (CO) for final determination on whether an offer of employment will be made. Unsuccessful applicants who were interviewed will be contacted and advised of their non-selection. As a positive medical clearance and security certification are a condition of employment, the selected candidate will undergo a stringent investigation prior to employment with USAID/SA.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Written responses to Factors 2 and 3, if required

• References: Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

• Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain appropriate security determination Instructions for obtaining the security determination will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

• Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the AID 309-2.

• 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.

• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number on submitted documents.

• Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – USPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission Policies and/or directives from the U.S.

Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

Methods of application submissions: For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted to jobapplications@usaid.gov, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

For queries please contact: Ms. Engeline Sebego, Human Resource Assistant, Telephone: +27 12 452 2188, e-mail address: esebego@usaid.gov

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award. Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms:

1. AID 309-2

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

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** mailto:jobapplications@usaid.gov mailto:esebego@usaid.gov

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258). **

** Forms 2 through 4 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 PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

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

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 Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

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

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. A TCN will be eligible to pay taxes as specified by their respective country.

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 .

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National 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 Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

Base Period - Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiation s with

Contractor

Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs

(ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiation s with

Contractor

Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiation s with

Contractor

Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiation s with

Contractor

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf 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

5. PSC Ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for more information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCombudsman@usaid.gov

END OF SOLICITATION

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCombudsman@usaid.gov