Solicitation_-_Malaria_Advisor_-November_2016.doc

SOLICITATION NO:

SOL-669-17-000002

ISSUANCE DATE:

November 1, 2016

CLOSING DATE:

November 25, 2016, 4:30 pm

LOCAL TIME

SUBJECT:

Solicitation for Personal Service Contractor (PSC) for

Malaria Advisor, USAID/Liberia To All Interested Applicants

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency) and Third Country Nationals (TCN) to provide services as a Malaria Advisor under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position is Monrovia, Liberia.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered. USAID/Liberia will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

Any questions or comments regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to amangou@usaid.gov and sbrowne@usaid.gov. Applicant should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.

Sincerely, Sylvester S. Browne Acting Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Liberia

ATTACHMENT 1: SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION NO.:

SOL-669-17-000002

ISSUANCE DATE:

November 1, 2016

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

November 25, 2016, 4:30 pm Local Time

POSITION TITLE:

Malaria Advisor, USAID/Liberia MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent with a base annual salary range of $87,263 to $113,444. This does not include cost of living allowance (COLA), post differential or other allowances. Liberia currently provides a 30% COLA and 30% post differential in addition to base salary.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The contract will be for two years, with three renewable one-year option periods up to a maximum of five years.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency) and Third Country Nationals (TCN) SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Contractor will report to the Supervisory Health Development Officer.

PHYSICAL & SECURITY CLEARANCE: The selected candidate must be able to obtain required medical and security clearances prior to the execution of the contract.

I. POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND:

USAID/Liberia works closely with the Government of Liberia (GOL) and aligns its health sector assistance with the country’s priorities and goals. USAID’s program supports the Ministry of Health (MOH) to implement Liberia’s ten-year National Health and Social Welfare Plan and Policy (NHSWPP), 2011-2021, which aims to improve the health status of all Liberians by increasing access to and utilization of quality services, decentralizing management and decision-making, and ensuring affordability of services. USAID is the largest donor in the health sector, overall.

The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), implemented by USAID and CDC, is a major component of the U.S. Government’s support to Liberia’s health sector. With FY16 funding of $14 million, PMI comprises nearly one quarter of USAID/Liberia’s total health assistance annually. PMI funds a robust program in the country comprising prevention through routine distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), prevention of malaria in pregnancy, behavior change communications, entomological monitoring, case management, pharmaceutical procurement and distribution, and health systems strengthening. This work is implemented through direct financing to the Ministry of Health to manage and support service-delivery, and non-governmental implementing partners who provide technical assistance and support in key areas including supply chain, monitoring and evaluation, entomology, drug quality testing, and program management.

The emergence of Ebola in Liberia presented unprecedented challenges to the Liberian health system. With over 3,000 total cases (confirmed, probable and suspected) as of 2016, USAID (including the PMI/USAID program), along with a host of other donors and partners, responded to the crisis along two tracks simultaneously. The primary objective was with mounting an effective emergency response to manage patients and to prevent/control spread of the disease. A second objective was to ensure that the population had access to essential, safe, health services. In this second objective, PMI played, and continues to play, a critical role in helping policy makers and program implementers to strengthen both strategic and operational approaches to strengthen the effectiveness of malaria programs within the overall context of the GOLs health service delivery and systems strengthening efforts.

PMI and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM, or the Global Fund) are the two largest donors supporting Liberia’s malaria program, and furthermore, USAID is also a direct contributor and provides technical support to the Global Fund. Accordingly, PMI has a unique role in advising the GOL on implementation of its National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), as well as PMI-related health system strengthening. Management of PMI’s program in-country relies heavily on the technical and managerial expertise provided by two Resident Advisors, one USAID, and one CDC. The PMI/USAID Resident Advisor (RA) plays a central role in advising USAID Mission leadership on the in-country PMI and GOL counterparts regarding overall management of PMIs investment in the country.

I. OVERVIEW

Under the general direction of the USAID/Liberia Mission Director and the USAID/Liberia Health Office Director, and in close working collaboration with the PMI/CDC RA, the PMI/USAID RA shall provide leadership, guidance and overall direction on the development and execution of the PMI program in Liberia. Responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration with counterparts in the Liberia National Malaria Control Program and other government ministries and agencies, as well as in 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. The PMI/USAID RA shall exercise extensive independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in representing USAID in critical technical and policy forums, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. The PMI/USAID RA will also perform inherently governmental functions such as officially representing USAID at functions and to Government of Liberia (GOL) counterparts; approving policy documents; managing contracts and grants; budgeting; and developing planning documents and work plans. The PMI/USAID RA will be an integral part of the USAID/Liberia Mission health team.

The PMI/USAID RA shall focus on PMI-related program management and partner relationships, programs such as building MOH capacity in PMI-related health/management information systems, laboratory capacity and disease surveillance, training and human resources capacity for delivery of essential health services, particularly related to the diagnosis, treatment, and control of Malaria.

II.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The PMI/USAID Resident Advisor works at par and in collaboration with the PMI/CDC Resident Advisor. The incumbent works under the general PMI guidance and the day-to-day direction of the USAID Health Office Director or his/her designee, who shall oversee the planning, implementing, and monitoring of the PMI program in-country. Under the guidance and direction of the USAID Health Office Director, the PMI/USAID RA liaises with backstops for the PMI in USAID Washington. In addition, the PMI/USAID RA, may, from time-to-time be requested by the USAID Health Office Director and/or the USAID Mission Director to represent PMI/USAID/Liberia on various national and international technical and policy forums, as appropriate. The PMI\USAID RA shall carry out both technical and managerial duties in the following areas:

TECHNICAL DUTIES (60% total)

Program Management

The PMI/USAID RA, working in collaboration with the NMCP and PMI staff in the US, will be responsible for developing annual work plans in line with PMI objectives and goals. This will include but is not limited to case management of malaria in health facilities and at the community level, distribution of LLINs through health facilities, large-scale campaigns, and the private sector, intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women, entomologic monitoring, and developing information, education and communications materials to promote the use of these interventions. The PMI/USAID RA is expected to spend approximately 50% of his/her time at the NMCP or with the NMCP and partners out in the field providing technical guidance and support to the implementation of malaria control program efforts in Liberia.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of the PMI. The PMI/USAID RA shall be responsible for working with the PMI/CDC RA to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan in line with PMI targets, as well as ensure that PMI partners develop project monitoring plans and report in a timely manner on their activities. It is also expected that the PMI/USAID RA shall provide expert advice and practical experience in helping the MOH, the NMCP and other partners to monitor inputs and outcomes, progress towards RBM goals, and how to carry out interventions. As an integral part of the USAID Office of Health team, the PMI/USAID RA will be responsible for monitoring reports as may be requested by USAID Mission management, and make major contributions to an annual country report on PMI activities.

MANAGERIAL DUTIES (40% total)

Management of Activity Implementation

The PMI/USAID RA, in collaboration with the NMCP, will be responsible for the overseeing the management of USAID-supported activities and projects being implemented under the PMI. This includes but is not limited to malaria prevention and control activities such as behavior change and communication activities, bed net purchase and distribution through the existing health services and at the community level, antimalarial drug purchase and distribution through the existing health services, IPT coverage and the diagnosis and treatment of acute malaria, and the entomologic monitoring conducted under the initiative. The PMI/USAID RA, in collaboration with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor, will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all PMI activities. The PMI/USAID RA shall manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices.

Partner Relationships

Successful performance in this position depends upon establishing and maintaining productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, the MOH, county governments, World Bank, Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, other Donors, and NGOs dealing with issues focusing on malaria, The Advisor shall, therefore, develop and maintain relationships with these partners and stakeholders in order to effectively assure that all of USG PMI’s activities are complementary and enhance all other malaria activities being implemented in Liberia. The PMI/USAID RA will participate in meetings hosted by the NMCP on malaria and health systems strengthening, particularly efforts related to strengthening implementation of Liberia’s essential package of health services at the facility and community levels.

Coordination with Other PMI Personnel

The PMI/USAID RA will be required to communicate regularly and work jointly with other members of the USAID/Washington Global Health and Africa Bureaus, USAID/Liberia health team, and CDC Atlanta as well as CDC Liberia.

III. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The PMI/USAID RA 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 malaria in Liberia and neighboring countries. The PMI/USAID RA will have the experience and skills required to help formulate the USG position on malaria and make important programmatic decisions as a key representative of the USAID/Liberia Mission. Specifically, the PMI/USAID RA shall:

1. Collaborate with senior staff of the MOH, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), and other partners, such as the Global Fund (GF), WHO, UNICEF, World Bank (WB) and NGOs and FBOs, 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 PMI;

2. Ensure that all activities are consistent with internationally accepted best practices and relevant to the specific malaria epidemiology of Liberia and to health system conditions in the country;

3. Coordinate with other partners and support efforts to address malaria control delivery gaps and help build technical and managerial capacity within the NMCP at the national, district and lower levels;

4. Provide technical support to all partners and managerial support as needed during the designing and implementation phases of the project to ensure the quality of interventions supported and that programmatic targets are met;

5. After appropriate training and certification (if required), serve as activity manager or contract/agreement officer’s technical representative (COTR/AOTR) on USAID awarded instruments (e.g., grants, contracts).

6. Work with suppliers and partners to ensure that programmatic commodities are purchased in a timely and cost effective manner. Also, ensure that the absorptive capacity exists in implementation sites to receive, manage and distribute these items effectively;

7. Ensure that malaria activities are integrated into overall USAID-supported health activities to strengthen Liberia’s health system, and to coordinate these activities with the NMCP and other MOH departments and units to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps;

8. Assist the PMI administrative manager to ensure full accountability and value for money of funds provided by the President’s Initiative on Malaria;

9. Assist the NMCP and Ministry of Health (MOH) in ensuring effective communication and coordination between Roll Back Malaria and Global Fund partners, including donor agencies and other stakeholders working on malaria control in Liberia;

10. Ensure effective coordination between MOH departments related to malaria prevention and control in Liberia. These departments include MOH Senior Management, NMCP, Child Health, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Reproductive Health, Nutrition, School Health, Health Education and Promotion, Planning, and others as appropriate;

11. Work with the NMCP and other partners to develop and execute a monitoring and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing MOH systems and existing USG supported mechanisms. 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; and

12. Assist PMI administrative manager to ensure that financial and technical reports on the President’s Malaria Initiative in Liberia are prepared and submitted as required.

13. While the Advisor’s time will be dedicated to malaria- specific programming, up to 10% of the specialist’s time may be spent helping to advance USAID’s overall health agenda including participating in general USAID administrative tasks and activities such as attending staff meetings.

IV. QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

1. Education (20%) Have a graduate degree (Masters Degree or Medical Degree) in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution. Specialized experience in malaria or vector borne diseases is desirable in areas including but not limited to vector control, entomology, clinical case management of malaria, and epidemic surveillance and forecasting. Knowledge, skills and training in behavior change communication are also highly desirable.

2. Experience (45%) The PMI/USAID RA will have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing communicable disease programs with a preference for experience with malaria or parasitic diseases and other health programs in developing countries. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment, are required. In addition, experience in resource management (staff and budget) management and program management is required. Preference will be given to those candidates with proven knowledge and experience with international, bilateral donor program management. The successful candidate will also have strong technical skills in such areas as program planning, design and development, and oversight of health management systems such as laboratory, information, human resource management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation.

The PMI/USAID RA will be able to describe how past program management experiences have contributed to development of the following professional qualifications:

(a) Analytical ability to interpret public policies on malaria and assist in the development of revised policies.

(b) Management and administrative skills are 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.

(c) 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.

(d) Knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods; experience in designing and evaluating activities. The PMI/USAID RA must have proven skills in capacity building and mentoring local staff in a developing country.

(e) 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/infectious diseases.

3. Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (20%) Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The PMI/USAID RA must have the following:

(a) Must be able to work effectively with a broad range of USG 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.

(b) 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.

4. Language, Communication, and Computer Skills (15%)

The PMI/USAID RA must have the following:

(a) Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – both orally and in writing in English. Must have demonstrated ability to make sensitive and persuasive oral presentations to senior USG and Government of Liberia officials and other donors.

(b) 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.

(c) Excellent computer skills (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.

II.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The contract will be for a base two years, with three subsequent one-year option periods for a total of five-year maximum period.

III. Salary This position is classified at the General Schedule Grade 14 equivalent range. The actual salary will depend on past salary history and experience of the successful candidate.

Past Performance/Professional Reference Checks

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of all applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.

V.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications packages are to be submitted to:

Sylvester Browne

Acting Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Liberia

Email: sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. 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.

A.

Please send a completed and signed application form AID 302.3 and curriculum vitae containing the following information. Application form AID 302.3 is available at the following website: http://federaljobs.net/forms.htm 1.

Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with Zip Code) day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2.

Education: high school name, city and State (Zip code if known) date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name city and State (Zip code if known, majors, type and year of any degrees received;

3.

Work Experience: give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if Federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employers name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

4.

Other Qualifications: job-related training courses (title and year), job related skills; for example, other languages, computer software /hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job related certificates (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for examples, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking, and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

B.

Application package must include all of the following:

1.

A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements;

2.

A curriculum vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements;

3.

A completed and signed AID 302.3, please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail;

4.

A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages;

5.

Names, current and accurate contact numbers (e-mail and phone) of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation;

6.

A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position;

All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete.

VIII.

CLOSING DATE

Applications must be submitted no later than November 25, 2016, 4:30 pm Local Time.

ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations)

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an off-shore US/TCN PSC may authorized the following benefits (Note: an individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item 1. below):

1. BENEFITS

a. Employee’s FICA Contribution

b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment

d. Annual Increase

e. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

f. Annual & Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable) * a.

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) b.

Housing (Section 130) c.

Post Allowance (Section 220) d.

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) 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 (Section 650)

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR US/TCN PSCs

1.

Form AID-302.3

2.

Physical Examination (Form DS-1843 and DS-1622)

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)

NOTE: The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

Drafted: A. Mangou Cleared: M. Howard

Approved: R. C. Gomes

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