SOLICITATION_623-17-000011.pdf

http://kenya.usaid.gov/

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-623-17-000011

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 20, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR July 11, 2017, RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS 10:00 AM Local Time, Nairobi, Kenya

4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Emerging Threats Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: $88,136 to $114,578 per annum equivalent of a

GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with three (3) one year options

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya with 30% travel

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

i. General Statement of Purpose

The USAID/Kenya and East Africa Mission requires the services of a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) who will be responsible for ensuring the well-coordinated and effective program implementation of the U.S. Government (USG) Global Health Security Agenda portfolio in Kenya and East Africa. This portfolio includes priority USG programing for the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

The Regional Emerging Threats Advisor is responsible for overseeing a multi-sectoral, multi-country, complex portfolio, providing leadership and technical support to the full range investments as they relate to USAID/Emerging Threats Division’s (USAID/ETD) portfolio in Africa. The incumbent serves as a high-level technical advisor to the Kenya and other bilateral USAID Missions in East Africa. The incumbent works across multiple African countries to represent USAID at official national government events, donor forums and technical working groups; as well as to provide the nexus of coordination among implementing partners and other USG agencies as it relates to the Emerging Pandemic Threats Project (EPT 2) partners and GHSA portfolio. S/he will ensure that planning and responses by regional missions are carried out in accordance with Agency and State Department directives. S/he will directly supervise one Foreign Service National (FSN) GHSA Project Management Specialist.

The incumbent carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic planning, global project design, and coordination activities for USAID/ETD's portfolio in Africa. The incumbent is responsible for working closely with Washington-based AORs to ensure coordination across all assets across the portfolio and to ensure that program activities are well coordinated with national governments in focus African countries. The incumbent must work across multiple sectors and is USAID/ETD’s primary bridge and relationship between the EPT 2 partners, the GHSA portfolio and national government representatives including;

Prime Ministers’ offices and Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Environment, Forestry, and others. The incumbent has a direct leadership role in guiding EPT 2 partners and GHSA portfolio in East Africa.

ii. BACKGROUND

In today’s globalized world, the speed with which newly emergent diseases can surface and spread raises serious public health, economic, security and development concerns. It also underscores the need for the global community to act preemptively and systematically to improve individual countries’ abilities to identify and quickly mitigate health threats arising within their borders.

The majority of all new, emerging and reemerging diseases affecting humans at the beginning of the twenty first century have originated from animals. Many of these infectious diseases are of serious concern to human and animal health, and they are emerging in places where humans, wildlife, and domestic animals are increasingly in contact. The early recognition of a potential threat allows for a global effort to take preemptive steps to bring the spread of the virus under greater control – and by extension possibly reduce the opportunities for it to emerge as a pandemic threat.

The socio-economic implications of existing and emerging zoonotic threats were underscored by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa. In response to the devastating effects of the outbreak on the region, in December 2014, the USG prioritized support to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

The effective response to the challenges caused by the emerging multifaceted health threats undoubtedly requires a multidisciplinary approach. The EVD epidemic, MERS, and a recent spread of Avian Influenza in West Africa are jarring examples of the need for greater capability in all countries and across multiple sectors to rapidly detect and respond to new or re-emerging public health threats. In November 2014, USAID launched the second, five year phase of the EPT 2 project. At the core of EPT 2 are seven areas of strategic focus:

1. Developing longitudinal data sets for understanding the biological drivers of viral evolution, spillover, amplification, and spread;

2. Understanding the human behaviors and practices that underlie the risk of “evolution, spillover, amplification and spread” of new viral threats;

3. Promoting policies and practices that reduce the risk of virus evolution, spillover, amplification, and spread, specifically targeting four areas of risk identified under EPT-1;

The Extractive Industry, Urban/peri-urban markets, Livestock “value chains” in Asia, and Africa Livestock Futures;

4. Supporting national One Health platforms;

5. Investing in the One Health workforce;

6. Strengthening national preparedness to respond to events of public health significance;

7. Strengthening global networks for real-time bio-surveillance.

iii. Statement of Duties to be Performed

Technical Advice on Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response, GHSA policy and portfolio implementation, Emerging Threats, Zoonotic Diseases, and One Health (50%)

● Provide technical leadership to USAID/Kenya and East Africa and regional missions on infectious disease preparedness, prevention, detection, and response context and capacities, including zoonotic diseases, emerging threats, global health security, and the One Health approach.

● Work closely with regional country teams to engage in high-level advocacy with various ministries from host government to ensure effective USAID support to the implementation of EPT 2 partner activities and the GHSA portfolio in Kenya and regionally. Represent USAID to high level USG diplomats and VIPs, Senior Government Officials, and other external partners as appropriate.

● Provide technical support/guidance to host governments in establishing effective and improved roadmaps to achieving EPT 2 and GHSA targets. Ensure the EPT 2 partners’ and GHSA portfolio activities are aligned with regional governments’ priorities, and funding requirements.

● Keep abreast of new developments and emerging issues that affect USAID‘s priorities related to the USAID/ETD’s portfolio in the region. Share relevant information and recommendations with USAID and other USG colleagues.

● Technical representation on One Health Working Groups.

Program Management and Oversight (30%)

● Ensure that the overall EPT 2 partners and GHSA portfolio activities are carried out in accordance with USAID directives and in collaboration with other Global Health Security programs in the region.

● During disease outbreak situations ensure that USAID assets are tightly managed with interagency leadership, in support of local governments.

● Lead USAID/GTD’s regional efforts to develop country level five-year road maps, develop annual interagency work plans, and draft quarterly USG reports on regional activities.

● Support development of indicator and performance monitoring plans for EPT 2 partners and GHSA portfolio related activities. Monitor progress according to this plan, including compilation and some analysis of indicators.

● Document and track lessons learned to help guide implementation.

● Supervise one Foreign Service National GHSA Project Management Specialist specific to Kenya, and oversee local hire GHSA Advisors in three USAID missions.

Coordination and Integration (20%)

● Facilitate the coordination of USAID and USG funded activities in the region broadly, this includes CDC and DOD funded work, to ensure the most cost effective, and diplomatic approaches to supporting local governments and the USG’s goals under the EPT 2 and GHSA portfolio.

● Develop and maintain relationships with relevant ministries, bilateral donors, international organizations (WHO, FAO, OIE, etc. ), private sector and local/international NGO’s to ensure that programs are coordinated and supported as appropriate.

● Ensure integration of EPT 2 partner activities with the broader USAID and USG portfolio; seeking cost efficiencies and economies of scale. Work across the region to ensure that linkages with the broader USAID/ETD’s portfolio are understood and integrated.

● Support the coordination of EPT 2 partners and GHSA portfolio, with host governments, USG agencies, and other key stakeholders during the planning and implementation of USAID’s contributions to emerging threats preparedness and recovery in the region.

● Represent the USAID/ ETD’s regional portfolio, as well as share best practices and lessons learned, in global forums.

iv. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

The Regional Emerging Threats Advisor will be supervised by and report to the HPN Office Chief or designee.

v. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

As directed by the Supervisor, the Regional Emerging Threats Advisor will manage and supervise one FSN, and oversees the technical and project levels outputs of GHSA Advisors assigned to USAID missions in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia to ensure they align with EPT 2 and GHSA portfolio priorities and requirements.

vi. EXERCISE OF JUDGEMENT

The incumbent exercises a broad scope of independent judgment and refers to immediate supervisor and other professional staff members on matters pertaining to policy, priority or resolution of problems for which there is no clear precedent or commitment of funds.

Incumbent must be able to manage a wide range of tasks across a broad spectrum of technical and management issues. Prior demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically and managing group dynamics is essential. The ability to meet multiple, often short deadlines is also essential.

vii. AUTHORITY TO MAKE TECHNICAL DECISIONS The incumbent cannot make financial commitments but must be able to clearly outline technical options for the Emerging Threat Division, and mission leadership.

viii. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS As the key representative of USAID’s Emerging Threats Division in East Africa, the incumbent will have high-level personal contacts with; U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, local government officials, leaders of international organizations, the private sector, U.S. and local implementing partners.

As the Emerging Threats Division’s representative in Eastern Africa, the Regional Emerging Threats Advisor is responsible for providing technical leadership and coordination to US missions, the US interagency team, and local governments on; infectious disease preparedness, prevention, detection, and response context and capacities, including zoonotic diseases, emerging threats, global health security and the One Health approach.

To ensure that EPT 2 partners and the GHSA portfolio are appropriately coordinated and supported, the incumbent must develop and maintain relationships with relevant ministries, bi-lateral donors, international organizations (WHO, FAO, OIE, etc.), private sector and local/international NGO’s.

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position does not involve undue physical demands. However, the successful applicant must be willing to travel within East Africa and be able to successfully complete the mandatory pre-deployment Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) training prior to arriving at post.

11. POINT OF CONTACT: All applications should be submitted electronically by email with the subject line “Regional Emerging Threats Advisor, SOL-623-17-000011” to:

Nya Kwai Boayue, Contracting Officer E-mail: NBoayue@usaid.gov

With a copy to:

Milly Warobi E-mail: MWarobi@usaid.gov

II. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education A Master’s degree in public health, public policy, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, or related discipline is required.

mailto:NBoayue@usaid.gov mailto:MWarobi@usaid.gov

Professional Experience o Minimum of eight years of public health or related experience in developing countries, with at least three years of experience working with international animal and public health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

o Minimum of five years of demonstrated, experience coordinating complex programs with multiple partners in resource-poor settings.

o Minimum of five years of management experience related to programs in developing countries that involve significant partnership and collaboration across multiple ministries, to include Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture.

Language o Fluency in English is required.

2. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, skills and abilities o Demonstrated ability to understand the strategic purpose and goals of multiple organizations from different sectors (e.g. public health, animal health, environment) working on emerging pandemic threats and global health security programs.

o Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-sectoral environment with several multi-lateral agencies to identify and solve problems, and coordinate and support activities that lead to mutual success in programs relevant to the position.

o Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, analysis reporting and best practices in data dissemination in international/resource poor settings.

Teamwork, Interpersonal, and Communications Skills o Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical information related to human health, animal health, and environment to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

o High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity, and originality to interpret strategy and to analyze, develop, and present work results.

o Excellent leadership skills.

Applications that do not clearly demonstrate the minimum education and professional experience requirements will not be evaluated.

Security Clearance The selected applicant must have or be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance and must maintain the clearance throughout the assignment.

Medical Clearance The selected applicant must obtain appropriate medical clearances before arrival at post.

FACT: The successful applicant will be required to attend and successfully complete the CT-650, the Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course. FACT is mandatory training for all personnel assigned to work for more than 45 cumulative days in a calendar year at any of the FACT designated posts. USAID/Kenya and East Africa is a designated FACT training required post.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

1. Extent to which the applicant demonstrates the professional experience necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

2. Extent to which the application demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

3. Extent to which the application demonstrates the teamwork, interpersonal, and communications Skills

IV. APPLYING

Qualified applicants are required to:

o Complete and submit the offer form AID 302-3, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms o Submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

o Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor. USAID also reserves the right to contact references not identified by the applicant.

o A one-page written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation and how the applicant believes their experience and skills meet or exceed these criteria.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

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

o Medical Clearance Certificate issued by U.S. Department of State - Office of Medical Services

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

o Employer’s FICA Contribution o Contribution toward Health & life insurance o Pay Comparability Adjustment o Annual Increase (Pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) o Eligibility for Worker's Compensation o Annual and Sick Leave o Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service per post policy

2. ALLOWANCES

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) o Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) o Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) o Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) o Post Allowance (Section 220) o Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) o Education Allowance (Section 270) o Education Travel (Section 280) o Post Differential (Chapter 500) http://www.usaid.gov/forms o Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) o Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

o 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 o Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms o 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

AAPD 16-03

Expanded Incentive Awards for PSCs with Individuals Issued: June 15, AAPD 15-02 Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. PSCs

AAPD 10-03

Amend.01

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners Of USPSCs – 08/22/11

AAPD 10-03

AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners Of USPSCs – 04/12/10

AAPD 10-01

Changes In USG Reimbursement Amounts For Health Insurance And Physical Examination Costs – 01/08/10

AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility – October 30, 2006

CIB 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding PSCs – 03/23/01

CIB 98-12

Guidance Regarding Advertisement of PSCs, and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs – 04/98 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-16-03 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-15-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03-amendment1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03-amendment1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/cib-01-07 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/cib-98-12