SOL-654-15-000001.pdf

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-654-15-000001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 12, 2015

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: July 9, 2015, 17:00 Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa

4. POSITION TITLE: PEPFAR Country Coordinator

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION: The position is the equivalent of a GS-14, ranging from $86,399 to $112,319 per annum.

Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background.

6. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation of qualifications and experience required of candidates will be conducted on a 100-point Scale and weighted as follows: Experience (50%), Knowledge and Abilities (30%), Language (10%) and Education (10%).

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with the possibility of extensions pending need, performance and funding, not to exceed a total of five (5) years.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Luanda, Angola.

9. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Clearance (USPSCs)

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

11. ANTICIPATED START DATE: October 2015

12. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION:

I. BACKGROUND

The Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC) is responsible for implementing the U.S.

President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) - the U.S. Government initiative to help save the lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS around the world. This historic commitment is the largest by any nation to combat a single disease internationally, and PEPFAR investments also help alleviate suffering from other diseases across the global health spectrum. It plays a critical role in President Obama’s Global Health Initiative, and provides a platform to integrate and leverage non-HIV/AIDS health services.

PEPFAR is driven by a shared responsibility among donor and partner nations and others to make smart investments to save lives. Thanks in large part to U.S. leadership, tremendous progress has been made in the fight against global AIDS. PEPFAR has directly supported life-saving antiretroviral treatment for more than 7.7 million men, women and children worldwide as of 2014. PEPFAR has directly supported 56.7 million people with testing and counseling, including care and support for nearly 5 million orphans and vulnerable children.

PEPFAR is heading into what may be its most challenging, but exciting, phase yet - Phase III, focusing on Sustainable Control of the Epidemic. The strategy for this new phase of PEPFAR is documented in “PEPFAR 3.0 Controlling the Epidemic: Delivering on the Promise of an AIDS-free Generation” (http://www.pepfar.gov/documents/organization/234744.pdf). The purpose of this phase is to reach the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS’ (UNAIDS) ambitious 90-90-90 global goals:

90 percent of people with HIV diagnosed, 90 percent of them on ART and 90 percent of them virally suppressed by 2020. This strategic goal is shared by the Angolan government as outlined in its National Acceleration Plan for HIV/AIDS. The PEPFAR program and the Coordinator will be focused on achieving demonstrable results towards these shared goals.

II. POSITION OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL TASKS

The incumbent serves as the PEPFAR Coordinator (“the Coordinator”), the Embassy-based presence of the Department of State’s Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC). The incumbent represents the PEPFAR program and policies of the Global AIDS Coordinator in a designated country.

In country, the Ambassador or his/her designee will provide on-site line management and country-level policy direction to the Coordinator, with an official reporting relationship to the Global AIDS Coordinator or his/her designee.

Globally, S/GAC is responsible for overseeing the substantial investments of PEPFAR, ensuring that these investments are wisely and effectively deployed to have the greatest impact on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Coordinator’s main area of oversight is the facilitation, planning, implementation, and reporting of program performance for the interagency program in the designated country. As the S/GAC representative in a partner country or region, the Coordinator is charged with ensuring that the bilateral funds deployed by PEPFAR are wisely and effectively used to address that locale’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. Specifically, the Coordinator ensures that funds are allocated strategically across agency and technical areas, are coordinated with inputs from the partner country government and other donors, are consistent with U.S. Government (USG) laws and policies, especially legislation pertaining specifically to PEPFAR, and support the national goals and plans of the partner government. With guidance from S/GAC’s Management and Budget division, the Coordinator will establish fiscal controls and reporting systems to track funds accurately and control disbursements so that resources are correctly directed and rapidly deployed.

PEPFAR is a ‘whole of government’ program, involving multiple U.S. Government (USG) agencies in a single, strategic response coordinated by the Department of State at the headquarters level and by the Coordinator in the field. An open, transparent and effective interagency process is essential for the success of PEPFAR’s efforts in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. The Coordinator’s role is to ensure that the country level program reflects this whole of government approach, working with S/GAC’s Programs division to communicate key policy and technical issues to the broad USG PEPFAR team in country.

III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent provides leadership and facilitation to the Angola interagency PEPFAR team for all aspects of PEPFAR to include, but not limited to, policy, technical, budgetary, managerial, and operational guidance. The incumbent collaborates with the U.S. Embassy, the Republic of the Government of Angola (GRA), and the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator to ensure achievement, not only of the primary HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care goals of PEPFAR as applicable to the Angolan context, but also the public health sustainability and health diplomacy goals of PEPFAR.

Program Management and Implementation/Collaboration among USG Stakeholders - 55%

Leads the USG interagency team in Angola for the conceptualization, formulation, recommendation, and implementation of initiatives in response to the epidemic profile in Angola, and to the programmatic operational realm, including:

• developing annual Country Operational Plans (COP);

• ensuring that the PEPFAR program fits within the regulations of the GRA and aligns with international policies and recommendations;

• implementing USG policy and technical direction;

• facilitating the interagency approach to PEPFAR within the USG, including positioning each implementing agency as per its comparative advantage;

• restructuring, reorienting and recasting immediate and long range goals, objectives, plans and schedules to meet substantial changes in policy, legislation, program authority and/or funding;

• providing input on projects to be initiated, discontinued or curtailed;

• overseeing and recommending changes in organizational structure; and

• engaging in long range planning in connection with prospective changes in USG funding, policies, and programs.

The incumbent establishes and monitors appropriate controls to ensure the financial, technical, and operational integrity of all HIV/AIDS programs implemented pursuant to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Angola.

S/He serves as the responsible financial official for the USG and properly manages the Angola PEPFAR budget. The Coordinator must understand the current levels of expenditure and pipeline, develop budgets, and ensure continued flow of funds necessary to implement the program.

The Coordinator ensures the use of data collection and knowledge-based program management in regard to all aspects (implementation, technology, costing) of treatment, prevention and care strategies.

S/He facilitates decision-making to promote program sustainability in a post-emergency response with emphasis on greater sustainability, institutional ownership, enhanced capabilities of health care professionals, and mutual accountability in a political environment.

Collaboration among Major Non-USG Stakeholders - 20%

The Coordinator leads the coordination and linkage of USG bilateral assistance with other bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations, and international multilateral organizations engaged in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, including UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). S/He collaborates and shares information with multilateral partners, other donors, and S/GAC relevant to the success of broad efforts to mitigate the impact of the HIV epidemic in country.

The incumbent ensures that the USG team engages the Country Coordination Mechanism of the Global Fund, to foster complementarity between the USG investments in both PEPFAR and the Global Fund.

S/He leads discussions, as appropriate, about the timing and implementation plans for transition from USG resources toward other types of funding for sustainable HIV responses. S/He counsels and advises S/GAC decision-makers regarding the optimal mix of funding support for Angola.

The incumbent promotes outreach to and engagement of private-sector partners, including advocacy groups, faith and community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations and businesses in the HIV/AIDS response.

Program Representation - 15%

The Coordinator aids in assuring the accountability of PEPFAR and other HIV/AIDS programs supported by the USG to administration officials, members of Congress, and the general public through the development and communication of appropriate statements, reports, and representation.

In collaboration with various PEPFAR implementing agencies, represents the USG, and the Ambassador's office in particular, in country-level and, when appropriate, international-level fora such as working groups, country coordinating mechanisms, steering committees, etc., with a focus on responding to the HIV epidemic and to integration of HIV services into broader health efforts in the designated country.

S/He counsels and advises the S/GAC and U.S. Embassy staff on relevant HIV policies and issues that emerge in various settings with stakeholders. As requested by S/GAC and/or the U.S. Embassy, the incumbent speaks about specific Angola HIV/AIDS epidemic needs, in-country HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care programs, and the current status of implementation of PEPFAR.

Supported by a Country Lead (CL) at S/GAC, s/he communicate field-based and headquarters priorities upstream and downstream. With the CL, the Coordinator facilitates interagency dialogue between the field and headquarters interagency teams.

As requested by S/GAC and/or the U.S. Embassy, the incumbent represent the Angola country team at meetings, both in country and out of country, hosted by USG and other groups and accurately represents the policies and programs under PEPFAR.

S/He informs and engages the Chief of Mission, the Global AIDS Coordinator, USG representatives in-country administering HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care programs, non-governmental organizations, partner government officials and their medical professionals on PEPFAR program achievements, concerns and needs and to reinforce initiatives to accomplish the goals of PEPFAR through bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts.

Other Duties as Assigned - 10%

The incumbent devises and maintains appropriate management and internal control systems to ensure that all resources are safeguarded against waste, fraud, unauthorized use or misappropriation;

obligations incurred comply\with applicable laws and regulations; and revenues and expenditures are promptly recorded and accounted for in accordance with Departmental procedures. S/He proactively identifies program areas where potential for waste, fraud, unauthorized use or misappropriation exist and pursues systematic resolution.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to be considered for this position a candidate must meet the Required Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of Required Minimum Qualifications, Desired Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed below:

Required Minimum Qualifications and Experience This position requires a highly qualified and experienced individual with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to foster team work, the capacity for strategic thinking, and an understanding of the technical and policy requirements to achieve the PEPFAR goals in the Country.

The incumbent must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment and with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental counterparts. The PEPFAR Country Coordinator must have the following qualifications:

Education:

An advanced degree (master's or higher) in a relevant professional discipline, such as Public Policy, Public Health, Business Administration or related subject, is required.

Prior Work Experience:

At least 8 years of progressively senior level experience managing HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs, preferably in a developing country context, with at least 5 years of experience in managing and implementing HIV/AIDS programs. At least 5 years of proven experience working with large, complex international or domestic programs. Demonstrated experience operating in his/her non-native cultural environment. Demonstrated strong knowledge and understanding of PEPFAR policies and programming parameters. Actual experience managing PEPFAR programs. Extensive knowledge of the technical issues related to HIV/AIDS, including knowledge of the principles of monitoring and evaluation. Demonstrated strong ability to manage .complex program with cooperation among multiple USG agencies with sometimes competing priorities and demands.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, facilitation and negotiation skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Ability to mediate interagency conflicts and facilitate decisions on complex technical, programmatic, strategic and financial issues

• Strong analytical skills

• Strong capacity to multi -task, including managing, prioritizing and fulfilling competing demands in real time

• Ability to keep track of a large amount of data and manage complex interagency planning and reporting processes

• Ability to empower PEPFAR team members to apply available resources and expertise to addressing the local epidemic

• Cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness

• Strong managerial skills

• U.S. Citizen

• Able to obtain US Government medical and Top Secret security clearances

• Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary;

and

• Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

Language:

Level IV English ability (fluent) is required. The incumbent must possess a high degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English. Fluency in Portuguese or Spanish is highly desired.

Exercise of Judgment:

The incumbent is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines to devise innovative approaches to resolve technical, administrative, managerial, and policy problems. Excellent, balanced judgment must be exercised in setting priorities.

In addition, considerable judgment is required to work effectively with host government officials;

coordinate multi-sectorial efforts in support of objectives; and collect, analyze, and report the progress of activities and recommend project actions. In this country, this requirement is critical to success of the PEPFAR mission and the diplomatic priorities of the U.S. government.

V. EVALUATION FACTORS:

The following factors are listed in descending order of importance and 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. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary.

Experience (50%), Knowledge and Abilities (30%), Education (10%) and Language (10%).

13. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

A) APPLYING

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.

i). Marking Applications: To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

ii). CV: 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.

Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

iii). Form OF-612: The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612. Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http:/www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices.

iv). References: Three (3) to five (5) 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. Reference checks will be done on selected applicants only. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant.

v). Required Forms for PSCs: Specific forms shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

vi). Late Submissions: Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information. USAID/Southern Africa reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.

B) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES

i). Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver for the country of performance specified.

Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

ii). Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a Security Background Check. This temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

C) REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

i). USAID Regulations:

1. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs): AAPDs serve as official sources for the latest updates in acquisition and assistance (A&A) policy and requirements. AAPDs provide information of significance including, but not limited to, advance notification of changes or implementation of new requirements to A&A regulations and procedures. Please refer to this web site

– http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs apply to this contract.

2. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.

ii). Benefits, Allowances and U.S. Taxes: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed):

1. Benefits:

a) Employee’s FICA Contribution

b) Annual Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment - - Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs

d) Worker’s Compensation

e) Vacation and Sick Leave

f) Access to Health Unit if employee and/or dependents are medically cleared to serve at post of assignment

2. Allowances * (If Applicable):

a) Post Differential (Section 500)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

d) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)

e) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

f) Payment During Evacuation (Section 600)

g) Education Allowance (Section 270)

h) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

i) Danger Pay (Section 650)

j) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Dept of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

3. In-Kind Allowances:

The USG will provide the following in-kind allowances, on par with US Direct Hires at the same location, in lieu of some allowances in paragraph “2. Allowances* (If Applicable)” above:

a) Housing

b) Furniture

c) Appliances

d) Furnishings (drapes/blinds, rugs, lights, etc.)

e) Utilities

f) Guard Services for Residence

4. Federal and State Taxes:

a. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes and will be withheld from compensation payments.

b. State Taxes: USAID does not withhold state taxes from compensation payments. State taxes are solely between the employee and the employee’s state of official residence.

END OF SOLICITATION