GHSA_Advisor_SOL-624-16-000008.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: April 4, 2016 CLOSING DATE: April 28, 2016 at 17:00 Hours Accra Local Time

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL-624-16-000008 FOR A U.S. PERSONAL

SERVICE CONTRACTOR FOR SENIOR GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY AGENDA AND

DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contractor (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation at the time of submission, and must submit all required documentations. The Senior Global Health Security Agenda and Development Advisor position will be located in the USAID Office in the US Embassy, Yaounde, Cameroon (USAID/Cameroon) under the supervision of the USAID West Africa Mission’s Regional Health Office, Accra, Ghana.

Interested candidates meeting the requirements of the solicitation must submit all the following required materials for consideration:

• Cover Letter;

• Curriculum Vitae or resume;

• Signed Form AID 302-3 (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/):

• Supplemental document addressing the evaluation factors; and

• List of three to five professional references.

All application packages are to be submitted via email to: accrapsc@usaid.gov

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application.

Any attachments provided via email must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003/2010 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.

Any questions concerning this solicitation may be directed to Mildred Agbo at magbo@usaid.gov later than April 14, 2016; no questions will be entertained after this date.

U.S. Agency for International Development No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd.

P. O. Box 1630, Accra-Ghana

Tel: 233-302-741-200 Fax: 233-302-741-365 http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov mailto:magbo@usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 624-16-000008

ISSUANCE DATE: April 4, 2016

CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 28, 2016 17:00 Hours Accra Local Time

POSITION TITLE: Senior Global Health Security Agenda and Development Advisor

MARKET VALUE: ($102,646 - $133,444) the market value for this position is equivalent to GS-15 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with option to extend

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Yaounde, Cameroon

SECURITY/MEDICAL CLEARANCE: Selected applicant must obtain Secret level clearance and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

1. BACKGROUND:

Cameroon receives PEPFAR funding from the United States Government, and has an extensive HIV/AIDS program represented with USAID, CDC and DOD counterparts. In recent years, programming from USAID/Washington has grown in areas relevant to the Global Health Security Agenda, and even more so after the 2013-2015 Ebola pandemic. Additional programming in family planning and peace and governance is also managed by USAID/Cameroon. This position is primarily to support GHSA, but is also representative of the entire USAID portfolio in Cameroon.

In today’s globalized world, the speed with which newly emergent diseases can surface and spread, as illustrated by the H1N1 virus pandemic in 2009, 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 earlier identify and quickly mitigate health threats arising within their borders.

The majority of all new, emerging and re-emerging 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 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 multi-disciplinary 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 Emerging Pandemic Threats Project (EPT-2). 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.

Cameroon has laid the foundation for effective EPT interventions through the “EPT-1” project (2009-2014). Under the auspices of the Prime Minister, four Ministries – Public Health, Environment, Livestock and Wildlife - have developed a joint coordination structure led by a Zoonotic Disease Coordinator and some key policy documents. Since April 2015, Cameroon is one of seventeen “Phase One” priority countries for the GHSA.

Additionally, Global Health Security depends on a peaceful and secure environment in which to operate, stable populations, and increasing economic development through cost-effective power and trade initiatives.

2. OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this position is to provide leadership and representation to the USAID/Cameroon Mission overall to ensure appropriate oversight of all USAID programmatic investments in the country. Successful completion of this objective will require working with a wide array of US Government partners, local government ministries, other donor partners, regional economic bodies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and implementing partners. The highest result is a rapid, effective, and coordinated oversight of GHSA action packages.

The GHSA Development Advisor, working with the USAID /Cameroon Health team and USAID/WA will provide management, coordination, and representational expertise to the Cameroon Office, the USAID/WA Mission, and USAID/Washington, with a key focus on achieving results under USAID’s GHSA portfolio. The Advisor will liaise with the Agency’s GHSD Unit (Washington, D.C.). S/he will ensure that the Mission’s planning and response to GHSA and EPT-2 is carried out in accordance with Agency and State Department directives.

Further, the GHSA Development Advisor is the senior representative at post.

The responsibilities of this position include:

1) Acting as the lead for development cooperation at post;

2) Leading or participating in development dialogue at all levels with country stakeholders;

3) Coordination with the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Cameroon on policy and administrative reform efforts impacting USAID assistance programs;

4) Working in close coordination with the USAID/WA Regional Mission to identify and address technical programmatic, or other support needs for the country team and relevant programs;

5) Overseeing and management of the implementation of USAID-funded bilateral assistance programs;

6) Supervision of designated USAID-funded staff;

7) Serving as the primary USAID liaison for donor coordination.

The GHSA Development Advisor reports to the USAID/WA MD or his/her delegate.

The GHSA Development Advisor, on behalf of USAID/WA, has the responsibility to ensure that all administrative and accountability requirements related to USAID operations are conducted in compliance with Agency Regulations, policies, and procedures. The Advisor will consult with Financial Management, Contracting, Executive Office and Legal Officers of USAID/WA as needed to ensure compliance.

3. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordination, management and technical input for EPT-2 and GHSA activities in Cameroon (45% LOE)

a. In close concert with the GHSA Advisor, ensure appropriate management and oversight of all for EPT-2 activities in Cameroon; this may include being AOR/COR or alternate and/or Activity Manager for some activities.

b. Ensure compliance in reporting from implementing partners, and within USAID – to USAID/West Africa and USAID/Washington as appropriate. Work with the USAID/WA Program Office to represent the Cameroon portfolio.

c. Ensure that all projects are compliant with USAID regulations and requirements.

d. Develop and support budget planning and financial reporting of USAID programs in Cameroon.

e. Represent the activity as appropriate to USAID/Cameroon, USAID/West Africa and within the USG. Respond to communication requests and other taskers related to this project.

f. Support development of USAID/Cameroon indicators and performance monitoring plan as it relates to GHSA. Monitor progress according to this plan, including compilation and some analysis of indicators.

g. Facilitate the liaison of EPT-2 and GHSA implementing partners with the government of Cameroon and other USG offices and their partners to facilitate coordinated implementation.

h. Liaise with USAID/West Africa on regional GHSA efforts as needed to ensure best implementation and coordination of activities.

i. Document and track lessons learned in Cameroon which will help guide the implementation of the EPT program. This includes writing cables, and working with the Director of Communications (DOC).

2. Coordination of USAID Initiatives and Partners (25% LOE)

a. Facilitate the coordination of USAID and USG-funded activities in Cameroon broadly -this includes CDC and DOD-funded work to ensure the most cost-effective, and diplomatic approach to supporting the government of Cameroon’s and the USG’s goals under the GHSA program; It also includes coordination of other health programs (FP, NTDs, and others), CVE partners, and Power and Trade (Economic Growth) partners as needed.

b. Facilitate coordination of USAID Implementing partners in Cameroon – including through partner meetings; also ensure that all USAID implementing partners are compliant with USAID regulations and contractual agreements.

c. Reinforce the role of Government of Cameroon to establish and maintain a coordination network among partners in the country whose activities are related to EPT activities.

Such partners include: bi-lateral donors, international organizations (WHO, FAO, OIE, etc.), National governments and their relevant ministries, private sector, international and local NGOs, etc.

d. Support the coordination of CVE and humanitarian assistance programs in Cameroon and as part of the larger USG effort in the Lake Chad Basin in conjunction with USAID/WA and USAID/Senegal.

e. Develop and maintain relationships with relevant ministries in the country to ensure that assets can be coordinated and provided as support if needed.

f. Ensure integration of EPT activities with the broader USAID portfolio: seeking economies of scale, and opportunities for cost-effective integration. This includes opportunities within PEPFAR, Family Planning, Peace and Governance and Trade and Power initiatives.

g. During disease outbreak situations ensure that EPT assets are tightly coordinated with interagency leadership in supporting the national government.

h. Seek opportunities to bring new partners into GHSA programming, including private sector or other donors.

3. Technical Advice on Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response, GHSA policy implementation, Emerging Pandemic Threats, and Avian Flu/One Health (20% LOE)

a. Provide information to USAID/Cameroon, USAID/West Africa and

USAID/Washington on infectious disease preparedness, prevention, detection, and response context and capacities in Cameroon, including zoonotic diseases, One Health approach, and Global Health Security.

b. Work closely with USAID/Cameroon country team to engage in high-level advocacy with various ministries from host government to ensure effective USAID support to the implementation of GHSA in Cameroon, including advocacy to promote One Health approach to addressing existing and emerging pandemic threats. Represent USAID/Cameroon to high level USG diplomats and VIPs, Senior Government of Cameroon Officials, and other external partners as appropriate - this includes both speaking and written.

c. Provide technical support/guidance to the host government in establishing effective and improved roadmap to achieving GHSA targets. Ensure the EPT program is aligned with the Government of Cameroon’s priorities and GHSA requirements.

d. Keep abreast of new developments and emerging issues that affect USAID‘s priorities related to GHSA via literature review, attendance at technical meetings, workshops, and participation in relevant training events. Share relevant information and recommendations with USAID and other USG colleagues. This includes current information on outbreaks globally and in the region.

e. Technical representation on One Health Working Groups.

4. USAID Donor representation and coordination (10% LOE)

a. Represent USAID Activities in Cameroon – from any funding source – to the U.S.

Embassy in Cameroon and other USG Departments or Agencies in-country (DOD, HHS and State primarily, but also USDA and others).

b. Communication - respond to taskers and inquiries from Washington, and represent USAID/Cameroon programs to VIP visitors to Cameroon in coordination with USAID/West Africa

c. Represent USAID programs in Cameroon to the Government of Cameroon in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and/or USAID/West Africa

d. Represent USAID/Cameroon for donor coordination and involvement with other development stakeholders.

e. Other related and pertinent representation of the USAID portfolio in Cameroon as needed

4. SUPERVISION

The GHSA Development Advisor will be supervised by and report to the USAID/West Africa Mission Director or his/her designee.

The GHSA Development Advisor will supervise the GHSA Advisor and one program support/ administrative staff.

5. REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE

Secret

6. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public health, or similar related disciplines is required. Additional studies/certificates or training may be an advantage.

2. Minimum of twelve years of public health and development (program management, project implementation, leadership and representation) experience – or similar related experience in developing countries is required (at least 8 of these years should be in developing country contexts – other experience may be at headquarters level)

3. The incumbent must have experience with international organization(s) working on animal and/or human public health (e.g., World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and/or USG or other donor programs working on One Health or similar cross-sectoral programs related to biosecurity.

4. Experience coordinating complex programs with multiple partners across sectors is required and must be demonstrated. Experience in One Health/Avian Flu/Infectious Disease is an advantage.

5. Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, data analysis, reporting and dissemination within resource- poor settings.

This may include academic research.

6. Must have experience in developing budgets, ensuring financial reporting, and ensuring adherence to organizational or government compliance standards.

7. Must be able to demonstrate good judgment and presentation skills in front of high-level representatives. This includes being able to represent topics on which the incumbent is not an expert. Experience/examples of this should be demonstrated.

8. Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements is desirable

9. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate even highly technical information or areas outside of the incumbent’s expertise to non-technical audiences at high levels of political authority.

10. Excellent leadership, supervisory and communication skills

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

12. Fluency in French (level III) and English (level IV); in both oral and written communication in professional, technical and policy communication with host country government representatives and partners across sectors.

13. Incumbent must be a U.S. Citizen

7. SELECTION CRITERIA

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

Education (15 points):

Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public health, or similar related disciplines is required. Additional studies/certificates or training may be an advantage.

Relevant Experience (40 points):

1. Minimum of twelve years of public health and development (program management, project implementation, leadership and representation) experience – or similar related experience in developing countries is required (at least 8 of these years should be in developing country contexts – other experience may be at headquarters level)

2. Demonstrated experience with international organization(s) working on animal and/or human public health (e.g., World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and/or USG or other donor programs working on One Health or similar cross-sectoral programs related to biosecurity.

3. Experience coordinating complex programs with multiple partners across sectors is demonstrated (required). Experience in One Health/Avian Flu/Infectious Disease is an advantage.

4. Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, data analysis, reporting and dissemination within resource- poor settings. This may include academic research.

5. Must have experience in developing budgets, ensuring financial reporting, and ensuring adherence to organizational or government compliance standards.

6. Must have experience as a supervisor – in a multi-cultural team.

Skills and Technical Knowledge (20 points)

1. Possesses technical understanding of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), the WHO

International Health Regulations, and the One Health Approach.

2. Possesses technical knowledge about monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, analysis reporting and best practices in data dissemination in international/resource poor settings

3. Able to articulate logical arguments and develop clarity of thought during technical and political discussions in a multi-lingual/multi-cultural environment. (Political and cultural sensitivity).

4. Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements is desirable

5. Must be able to demonstrate good judgment and presentation skills in front of high-level representatives. This includes being able to represent topics on which the incumbent is not an expert. Experience/examples of this should be demonstrated.

Communication and Language (15 points)

1. Fluency in French (level III) and English (level IV); in both oral and written communication in professional, technical and policy communication with host country government representatives and partners across sectors.

2. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely on personal or highly technical areas.

3. Is able to articulate clearly and concisely to high level decision-makers on topics outside of his/her area of expertise.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (10 points):

1. Demonstrated experience working successfully and effectively in a multi-cultural team environment (teamwork and multi-cultural awareness) on complex issues or programs

2. Demonstrated examples of leadership and supervisory skills in complex situations

(leadership and supervision) - is able to explain their personal theories of leadership and supervision and give a personal example of its application

3. 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.

Maximum Points Available: 100

8. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

• Signed Form AID 302-3, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/)

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application 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.

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five 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.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

• Applicants also must address the above Section 7: Selection Criteria, in a summary statement to be included in the application. This summary statement, limited to two 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.

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

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

1. Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3);

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.

1. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) AND ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

CIBs AND AAPDSs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

AIDAR Appendix D and J apply to USPSC and TCNPSC respectively and can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

(NOTE: An individual defined as a USPSC employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed below.) TCNPSC MAY be eligible for benefits in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B).

BENEFITS:

Employee's FICA and Medicare Contribution (USPSCs only) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (USPSCs only)

*Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)*

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)*

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)*

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)*

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)*

(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)* and

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)*

(8) Educational Allowance (Section 270)*

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)*

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)*

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal and State Income Taxes