SOL-663-15-000003_-_IT_Health_System_Strengthening_Advisor_Final.docx

Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Information Technology Health Systems Strengthening Advisor USAID/Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

1. SOLICITATION No : SOL-663-15-000003

2. ISSUANCE DATE : May 15, 2015

3. CLOSING DATE : June14, 2015

4. POSITION TITLE : Information Technology Health Systems Strengthening Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE : GS-14 ($86,399 - $112,319 per annum). The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : 2 years.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : USAID/Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION : U.S. Citizens, US Resident Alien and TCN

9. SECURITY CLEARANCE : The final selected candidates must obtain an Employment Authorization and medical clearances 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clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

A. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Broad responsibilities will include providing technical leadership to USAID, interagency partners, Ministries of Health, Women, Children and Youth Affairs, and Finance and implementing partners through recommendations and expertise in the design, development, improvement, and maintenance of information systems that strengthen service quality, effectiveness, and efficiency. Technical assistance and capacity building of HAPN team members in country systems requirements, analysis, design, specifications, and oversight for project management, development, piloting/testing, implementation and evaluation will also be key components of the position. The position requires both advisory and administrative ability, including hands-on Health Information Systems Informatics and Information Technology technical expertise, results-oriented analysis, strong project management experience, clear communication skills, and close collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders including: host ministries, Implementing Partners, interagency teams, USAID Headquarter personnel and other donors.

The incumbent must ensure the presence and use of adequate administrative controls, information and data quality, procedural efficiencies and adherence to internationally recognized information system and standards for interoperability. S/he will be expected to develop strategies and technical approaches for better USAID, USG, and partner coordination and improve integration of vertical programs e.g. PEPFAR, Maternal & Child Health, Malaria Control, Vaccination, etc. The incumbent will support the integration of national information systems such as Health Management Systems, Human Resources Information Systems, Health Information Exchanges, facility systems and others.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will work with relevant partners, stakeholders and Government to ensure successful Health Information System projects and activities are in place to improve effectiveness and access to quality primary health care, TB, malaria, maternal and child health social services, and HIV/AIDS service packages in the Ethiopian Health System.

OVERSEE IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES IN USAID/ETHIOPIA’S HEALTH PROGRAM (40%):

· Serve as subject matter expert and thought leader on strategic design and project management for HAPN IT investments.

· Lead HAPN team in building an Information and Communications Technology strategy to achieve specific health objectives.

· Perform routine scans of HAPN IT investments to identify potential risks and find opportunities for improvement.

· Work with HAPN project managers to ensure IT investments and policy keeps pace with technology developments and addresses the needs of the HAPN team.

· Ensure compliance with USG requirements for independent validation and verification of IT projects that are proposed by USAID’s implementing partners.

· Ensure the presence and use of adequate administrative controls, information and data quality, procedural efficiencies and adherence to internationally recognized information system and standards for inter-operability.

· Lead the harmonization of HMIS through capacity building in quality collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of health information for program planning and management.

PROVIDE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO USG, GOE AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS (35%)

· Engage with policy level in-country government officials, the donor community, and other stakeholders to advise on IT activities, standards, processes and tools.

· Collaborate regularly with IT advisors in other USG offices to ensure IT work is coordinated with USAID’s broader health and supply chain technology initiatives; and support these broader technology efforts through participation on project teams.

· Participate in USAID global forums for IT and supply chain strengthening, such as the Open LMIS initiative.

· Provide Health Management Information Systems technical assistance and capacity building to the HAPN team for in-country system requirements, analysis, design, specifications, and oversight of project management, development, piloting/testing, implementation and evaluation.

· Provide leadership in the integration and use of data management information systems and tools to facilitate data entry, transmission, and use.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES (20%)

· Ensure timely completion of all relevant program deliverables and reporting requirements.

· Maintain a regular schedule of project site visits to document activities of USAID-supported implementing partners, establish routine communications and maintain up-to-date information and files on the status of partner activities, resources and work plans.

· Assist HAPN Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in evaluating select IT activities, ensuring that performance monitoring systems are in place, and that periodic, reliable measures of impact indicators are established.

· Ensure implementing partners are in compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures. Communicate with partners regarding USAID rules and regulations, as well as their obligations to USAID. Apply specific and in-depth knowledge of applicable USG laws, legislative directives, and regulations, particularly regarding the allowable use of HAPN funds.

· Work closely with implementing partners to ensure program achievements and lessons learned are disseminated to sector representatives. Maintain and share an up-to-date summary of program technical areas and geographic areas of implementation.

· In collaboration with other team members, monitor activities undertaken by IPs implementing IT strengthening projects/activities; track progress against program descriptions, implementation plans, and work plans; assess progress and barriers to achievement; recommend action for improvement or modifications to address problems; and document and highlight results.

PROJECT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (5%)

· Responsible for the financial management of assigned IT activities, which includes ensuring obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to action plans.

· Ensure appropriate and timely incremental funding of activities.

· Ensure program activities are in compliance with USAID financial regulations. Report financial discrepancies to the HSS Deputy Team Leader and Financial Analyst.

· Update the Mission Controller and Financial Analyst on the liquidation of advances. Review and provide administrative approval for assigned activities as required.

· Ensure compliance with Non-Federal Audits (NFAS) and closure of open recommendations. Maintain a monthly project financial management tracking system.

C. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection criteria, also listed below. Applicants are required to address each of the selection criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the selection and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page.

1. EDUCATION: (5%)

· Master’s degree in information technology, business administration, or computer science.

2. LANGUAGE: (10%)

· Level IV (fluent) English spoken and written English.

3. WORK EXPERIENCE: (40%)

· Five or more years’ experience with systems development lifecycle and other software implementation methodologies in low resource settings.

· Broad knowledge of current information technology tools, standards, methodologies, and policies that can be applied to advance Health Information Systems

· Experience in IT and/or software implementation in a developing country or other resource-poor settings.

· Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

· Knowledge of and/or experience working in the public health arena.

· Familiarity with current mobile technologies that can be leveraged to further public health objectives.

· Familiarity with GIS tools and analytical approaches.

· Experience working with the Ethiopian Government, USG health agencies and/or USAID implementing partners is preferred but not required

4. KNOWLEDGE: (20%)

· Broad knowledge of state-of-the-art information technology tools, standards, methodologies, and policies that can be applied to advance Health Information Systems

· Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

· Knowledge of and/or experience working in the public health arena.

· Familiarity with current mobile technologies that can be leveraged to further public health objectives.

· Familiarity with GIS tools and analytical approaches.

5. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (25%)

The position requires good organizational, management and supervision skills. The incumbent must excellent judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work in English and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs. An open professional style, blending teamwork and participation with individual initiative as well as having a can-do orientation and service mindset; effective team building, strategic thinking, taking a leadership role, appreciative listening, and achieving results in cross-cultural and multi-level settings. The incumbent must have the ability to work collaboratively in cross cutting teams, direct the work of consultants, interact effectively with mid and senior level government officials and high level members of the business community.

The selected candidate must be capable of producing high quality work, often under time pressure and in complex situations with little direction. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment.

6. POSITION ELEMENTS

a) Supervision Received: The USAID Deputy Health Systems Strengthening Team Leader will provide overall supervision to the Health Systems Strengthening Information Technology Advisor; however he/she will exercise independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, resolving problems and conflicts, and taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. While the Health systems Strengthening Information Technology Advisor will work with maximum independence in completing agreed-upon work objectives and carrying-out his/her responsibilities, s/he will keep inform his/her supervisor informed of problems and/or issues that arise that may affect the successful implementation of the USAID HAPN program in Ethiopia. At least once during each twelve month cycle for the duration of the contract the Health Systems Strengthening Information Technology Advisor will work with the Deputy Health Systems Strengthening Team Leader to establish standards and performance measures upon which performance will be based. Once agreed upon, these work objectives and performance measures will be reviewed semi-annually and more often if necessary, and be revised to reflect changing circumstances. An evaluation of the incumbent will be completed annually and will serve as the basis for any personnel actions.

b) Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices.

C) Exercise of Judgment: Excellent judgment will be required to provide guidance and assistance to a wide variety of high-level professionals in the Ethiopia Mission and Government of Ethiopia. S/he will work independently, take initiative, and manage a multi-cultural team with several Program Sub-elements. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; making independent judgments that can be defended as necessary in a complex and difficult program area with great political visibility.

D) Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent has no independent authority to make resource commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government.

E) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: the incumbent is required to have strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts. The incumbent must provide consistent, credible and diplomatic representation of USAID to high level GOE, donor, and other partner contacts to establish and develop productive working relations with key counterparts.

F) Medical and Security Clearance: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a USG employment authorization level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance.

G) Benefits: ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPDs) contains information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additional Appendix D also applies to PSC can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf.

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY UTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS.

1. ALLOWANCES: as applicable.*

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

Living quarters allowance (Section 130).

Post Allowance (Section 220).

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

Education allowance (Section 270).

Educational Travel (Section 280).

Post differential (Chapter 500).

Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600), and Danger Pay (Section 650).

2. BENEFITS:

Premium – 50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500) Pay Comparability Adjustment – Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs

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

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

3. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) Pertaining to PSCs.

List of Required Forms for PSCs: For initial consideration:

1. Standard Form 171 **2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) **3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).

**4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions ( for National Security) (SF-86), or **5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

**6. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

Note: Form 6 is available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington.

The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ *Depart. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

**The forms listed 2 thru 6 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Ethiopia in accord with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, consumable, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.

7. APPLICANTION PROCESS:

All Applicants must address how they meet the Minimum Qualifications, as described below:

a. Submit a fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates your education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices).

POINTS OF CONTACT: Fekadu Tamirate or ADDISHR@USAID.GOV

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date in item number three of this solicitation. Applications received after that date and/or time may not be considered. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.

Cleared by:

Ejensen HAPN _____________

Khummel HAPN _____________