US_TCN_PSC_-_PMI_Advisor.pdf

P.O.Box.:1720, Bujumbura – Burundi Tel: +257 22 24 36 25 Fax: +257 22 24 36 13

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72069519R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: February 13, 2019

CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 08, 2019 12:00 p.m. (Central Africa Time)

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

Dear Prospective Offerors/Applicants:

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 a 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 Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Reid H. Ahl

Reid H. Ahl, CM Supervisory Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 Solicitation No: 72069519R00001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72069519R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 13, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 08, 2019, 12:00 p.m. Central Africa Time (CAT)

4. POSITION TITLE: USAID Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI) Resident Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: $89,370 - $116,181 equivalent to GS-14.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Burundi is currently authorized post differential of 30% and Danger Pay of 25% when in Bujumbura; when traveling elsewhere in Burundi Danger Pay is 35%.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Initial period of performance of two years with possibility of up to three additional option years.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bujumbura, Burundi

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Basic Functions

The Malaria Advisor shall provide strategic and technical leadership, guidance, and overall direction on the development and execution of the USAID/Burundi malaria program. The Advisor will supervise one foreign service national (FSN), providing strategic and technical direction and oversight. The incumbent shall liaise closely with backstops for malaria and global health in USAID/Washington.

Responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration with counterparts in the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) and other Government of Burundi ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as with a wide range of civil society and private organizations, other donor and international organizations, and other United States Government (USG) entities working in malaria prevention and control. S/he may also be asked to oversee or lead other aspects of USAID/Burundi’s health portfolio. The non-malaria responsibilities are not expected to exceed 15% of the incumbent’s overall activities. The Advisor shall exercise extensive independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in representing the USG in critical strategic, technical and policy forums, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines.

The Advisor will contribute to inherently governmental functions such as representing USAID at functions; reviewing policy documents; managing contracts and grants;

budgeting; and developing planning documents and work plans. The incumbent must possess technical expertise in the area of malaria treatment, prevention and control, and possess an understanding of the social, economic and cultural determinants and implications of the epidemic in Burundi and the region, as well as have the experience and skills required to help formulate the USG position on malaria and make important policy decisions as a representative of the USAID/Burundi office.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Malaria Advisor will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Strategic and Technical Leadership Working under the direction of the Senior Health Team Leader at USAID/Burundi and in close collaboration with other members of the USAID/Burundi Health Team, the Advisor will provide strategic leadership and technical guidance to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of USAID/Burundi’s malaria activities. The incumbent will work across sectors to develop and ensure implementation of smart integration approaches with reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH), and HIV/AIDS activities that provide greater program efficiencies and improved health outcomes. S/he shall liaise with USAID/Washington malaria and global health backstop personnel, manage the FSN Project Management Specialist working on malaria, and provide managerial and technical support to the NMCP Director and staff so as to build capacity within the NMCP.

The Advisor, working in collaboration with the NMCP, Health Team members, and malaria staff in USAID/Washington, will be responsible for developing annual malaria work plans. S/he will work with the USAID/Burundi Program Office and USAID/Washington to ensure full accountability and value for money of malaria and other relevant health funds. S/he will work with the USAID Burundi Program Office and USAID/Washington to ensure that financial and technical reports on the USAID malaria program in Burundi are prepared and submitted as required.

The Advisor will provide technical and managerial support to USAID staff and implementing partners as needed during the design and implementation phases of all projects with malaria components to ensure interventions are high quality and programmatic targets are met. The Advisor will ensure that all activities are consistent with internationally accepted best practices, USAID guidelines, and relevant to the specific malaria epidemiology of Burundi.

The Advisor will be responsible for developing a monitoring and evaluation plan, as well as ensuring that implementing partners develop project monitoring plans and report in a timely manner on their activities. It is also expected that the incumbent will provide expert advice and practical experience to the Ministry of Health, the NMCP, and other partners in how to execute operational plans jointly and collaboratively to achieve measurable quantitative and qualitative results in malaria control, and in monitoring and reporting on malaria inputs, progress, and outcomes. S/he will carry out monitoring and evaluation visits to implementation sites to ascertain all quantitative and qualitative data is collected properly and ensure programmatic quality and value for money are maintained.

Management of Activity Implementation The Advisor, in collaboration with the NMCP, will be responsible for overseeing the management of a broad range of USAID supported malaria prevention and control activities, including: insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) procurement and distribution through various channels; procurement and distribution of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs); case management of childhood illnesses, malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea, at health facility and community level that includes appropriate use of RDTs for malaria diagnosis; diagnosis and treatment of acute malaria;

intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) coverage; behavior change and communication activities to support all of the above interventions. The incumbent shall manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations, procedures, and practices. S/he will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all malaria activities.

Specifically, s/he will:

● Serve as Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) and program/project/activity manager as needed.

● Provide review and approval of work plans, project budgets, performance monitoring plans, quarterly and annual reports, and other key documents for managed activities.

● Provide guidance on new program initiatives, drafts program documents to secure funding and implement activities, and manages the relationships between USAID and USAID implementing partners (IPs).

● Provide technical assistance in capacity building, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation to key USAID governmental and nongovernmental partners, to ensure that they develop measurable plans and objectives for implementation of innovative and effective health projects.

● Provide oversight to ensure that programs achieve sound programmatic and financial management, achieve anticipated results, are linked to and enhance attainment of strategic objectives, are aligned with Government of Burundi priorities and are implemented within the framework of the USG foreign assistance policies. Works closely with other U.S. Mission and Agency staff to ensure effective coordination and alignment of all USG programs.

● Conduct regular site visits to monitor activity progress and to provide technical and programmatic recommendations.

Partner Relationships The incumbent will establish and maintain productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, the Ministry of Health, World Bank, Global

Fund, WHO, UNICEF, other donors, NGOs, and faith-based organizations working on malaria and related issues. The incumbent shall develop and maintain relationships with these partners and stakeholders in order to design, plan and implement malaria prevention and control activities consistent with the malaria control coverage needs identified by the strategy and plans of the NMCP and USAID such as commodity gaps and a national monitoring and evaluation plan; effectively ensure that all of the USG malaria activities are complementary and enhance all other malaria activities being implemented in Burundi. The incumbent will participate in meetings hosted by the NMCP on malaria.

Peripheral Duties As needed, the incumbent will carry out other tasks related to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of USAID health activities in Burundi, as assigned by the Senior Health Team Leader or the Country Representative. The Advisor may be asked to perform duties as acting Senior Health Team Leader. S/he will work closely with USAID/Washington staff in the Global Health and Africa Bureaus as needed. The advisor may carry out other duties as assigned.

If Position is Encumbered by a Third Country National (TCN) (TBD%)

TCN positions are intended to be temporary. If this position is encumbered by a TCN, the individual’s work development plan (WDP) will include a requirement to train Cooperating Country National (CCN) employees to assume the duties of the position.

The WDP must include measurable deliverables and an estimated time for required for the training of CCN employees.

In order to be successful, the incumbent will either have, or demonstrated capacity for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Analytical ability to interpret public policies and assist in the development of revised policies as required improving the policy environment related to malaria in Burundi. Management skills required to develop and implement effective malaria prevention and treatment program activities involving financial and human resources. Administrative skills are required to assist in the oversight of cooperating agency technical advisors and institutional contractors.

Skill in conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. The candidate must be able to integrate short and long range objectives of the USAID Health Team and the PMI with the cultural/organizational needs of the government.

Knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods;

experience in designing and evaluating malaria activities in Africa. The incumbent must have proven skills in capacity building and mentoring local staff in a developing country.

Demonstrable skills are required in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing, administration, and management.

Ability to navigate and manage politically sensitive issues related to malaria control.

Team work and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The incumbent must have the following:

Must be able to work effectively with a broad range of USG and host country personnel and partners, and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is a must.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical health information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters.

Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – both orally and in writing in English. Demonstrated ability to make sensitive and professional oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior USG and Government of Burundi officials and other donors;

Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members Ability to communicate technical information to health and non-health audiences. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers;

Excellent computer skills (for example MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook, Access, SPSS and other statistical and other relevant software) are required for effectively operating in this position. Good computer skills are required to implement, analyze, and monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements, both program and impact.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. Citizens and Third Country

Nationals (TCN). A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States. A Third Country National (TCN) is an individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense. U.S. citizen applicants will be considered first before TCN applicants are considered.

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

12. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/Kigali Human Resources Office via e-mail at kigalihr@usaid.gov.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education and work experience requirements must be met at time of application.

a. Education: A Master’s Degree in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications is required.

b. Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in planning, design, supervision and management of a public health and/or malaria control program. Extensive experience and a solid record of performance working for a U.S. government agency, other bilateral/multilateral development program (DFID, Global Fund, UN agency etc…), or non-governmental organization.

Experience must include two years in implementing public health or related development programs in sub-Saharan Africa; extensive supervisory experience highly desired. Experience will demonstrate a solid record of performance in increasingly responsible positions in a reputable institution and experience managing or implementing activities with non-governmental or community-based organizations.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The procedure for evaluating and ranking applications is outlined below. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation provided with the application. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

1. SELECTION PROCESS

To meet the basic eligibility requirements for this position the offeror must:

- Be a U.S. citizen or Third Country National;

- Submit a complete application submitted as outlined in the section IV;

- Be eligible to attain clearance for Facility Access;

- Be cleared medically to work in Burundi;

- Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek, including weekends, as may be required or necessary.

2. Process and Evaluation Factor Values

After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification requirements will be referred to a technical evaluation committee (TEC).

Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be reviewed. The TEC will review and score the applications based on the evaluation factors.

Application: 35 Points Extent to which the applicant has the education or training required to satisfy position elements, and quality of experience or skills necessary to successfully perform the work.

Interview: 65 Points Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s propensity to integrate into the Burundi Malaria team, work efficiently with the Interagency, and communicate clearly.

Total: 100 Points

References PASS / FAIL

References of the finalists will be checked prior to offering the position. Applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities.

IV. APPLYING

1. 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.

2. Application package must include a résumé or Curriculum Vitae.

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 12.

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO)/Executive Officer (EXO) 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. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

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

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

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC 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

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

(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)

*The employee must meet qualification requirements for certain benefits and allowances. Allowances vary based on hiring category, US vs TCN.

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

AAPD/CIB No. Title/Issued Date Subject Category

AAPD 16-05

(PDF 109K)

Designation of USPSCs as Contracting Officers and CCNPSC Warrant Program Class Deviation to AIDAR – no.

M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-16-5 – December 22, 2016

Acquisition Management Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 16-03

(PDF 305 KB)

AAPD 16-03

(Word 90 KB)

Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals Issued: June 15, 2016

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 15-02-

Revised (PDF 145 kb)

AAPD 15-02

Revised (Word 118 kb)

AAPD 15-02 REVISED - This AAPD 15-02 REVISED extends implementation of the USAID policy for Leave and Holidays, including family and medical leave, for U.S. personal services contractors (USPSCs) by deviation from AIDAR Appendix D, § 12, clause (GP) #5. This policy is effective as indicated on page 2, section II, of the

AAPD.

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 10-03

Amendment 1 (PDF 92 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING

BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX DOMESTIC

PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 08/22/11

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 10-03

(PDF 69 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING

BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX DOMESTIC

PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 04/12/10

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS --

CHANGES IN USG REIMBURSEMENT

AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE AND

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT

RESPONSIBILITY – October 30, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-08

(PDF 35 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: USING THE

OPTIONAL SCHEDULE TO

INCREMENTALLY FUND CONTRACTS –

JUNE 23, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 03-11

(PDF 277 kb)

Revision of Contracts/Contract Procedures for Personal Services Contracts with Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) to Work in Iraq and Afghanistan

– 12/02/03 PSC

CIB 99-15

(PDF 51 kb)

Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations – 08/99

Personal Services Contracts

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

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 .

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