SOL-674-15-000030.doc

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL-674-15-000030

2. ISSUANCE DATE:

May 22, 2015

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME:

June 21, 2015, 17:00 Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa

4. POSITION TITLE:

Senior Strategic Information (SI) Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION:

The position is the equivalent of a GS-14, ranging from $86,399.00 to $112,319.00 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: Education (10%); Work Experience (30%); Knowledge (30%); and Abilities and Skills (30%)

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two (2) years, with the possibility of extensions pending approval, need, performance and funding, not to exceed a total of five (5) years

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Maseru, Lesotho

9. SECURITY ACCESS:

Employment Authorization (USPSCs)

Background Check (TCNs)

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals

11. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION:

I. SCOPE OF WORK

Background:

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, mountainous country surrounded by South Africa with less than two million people and has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Implementation of the national response lies primarily with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and a number of other government ministries responsible for various aspects of the response. Funding is provided through the Government of Lesotho’s (GOL) annual budget and Global Fund resources. The National Strategic Plan for 2006 -2011 provided a framework for responding to the epidemic through work in four strategic areas: a) Prevention; b) Treatment, Care, and Support; c) Impact Mitigation; and d) Management, Coordination, and Support Mechanisms.

Through PEPFAR’s implementing partners, PEPFAR supports the national response to HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, and has increased its commitment through the Partnership Framework that was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and the U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho on August 9, 2009. The Partnership Framework emphasizes increasing Lesotho’s ownership of the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Partnership Framework Implementation Plan provides a strong emphasis on health systems strengthening and increased prevention initiatives to slow the rapid progress of HIV and mitigate the impact of the disease on Basotho society.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior SI Advisor will focus on measuring progress and providing information to identify programmatic gaps of Lesotho’s HIV/AIDS response, as well as providing high-quality assistance to USAID/Lesotho in the development and implementation of strategic information systems to meet PEPFAR requirements. S/he will focus on three critical components, namely: 1) Design and conduct sophisticated and complex analyses to inform new and ongoing PEPFAR programming decisions; 2) Align USAID programs and technically support the Government of Lesotho (GOL) across multiple Host Country Ministries to streamline, link, and harmonize information systems for decision-making; and 3) provide metrics of accountability for PEPFAR resources.

A. Technical Leadership and Expertise (60%)

1. Provide technical leadership and expertise in strategic information for the development and implementation of programmatic interventions; program monitoring; operational research; data use and analysis; surveillance and health informatics to the USAID Mission, the broader USG and host country stakeholders.

2. Design, coordinate and/or deliver cohesive training and capacity building efforts for the USAID Mission, the broader USG and host country stakeholders that transfers and enhances capacity to design, introduce and implement appropriate M&E systems.

3. Collaborate with USG partners and other stakeholders on mutually identified critical operational research and/or targeted public health evaluation questions, provide assistance in development of strategies to address those questions, and help disseminate findings to the broader community.

4. Develop and/or participate in development of guidance and frameworks for local procedures, policies and processes that will institutionalize and support capacity development for high quality design, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

5. Play a leadership role in the PEPFAR working groups, developing multi-sectoral programming and providing technical guidance and direction.

6. Ensure that evaluation findings and performance data are integrated into Mission decision-making.

7. Strengthen implementing partner and GOL capacity to respond to planning and reporting requirements and utilize data to make policy and programmatic decisions.

8. Supervise and mentor staff to support professional development, including strengthening strategic information technical expertise.

B. Program Management (30%)

1. Provide leadership in the day-to-day technical guidance of strategic information activities. Provide technical input on performance monitoring plans for implementing partners. Conduct regular site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries. Based on the information collected during field visits, communicate findings and recommendations to team members and, as appropriate, implementing partners and GOL counterparts.

2. Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics and other available data, make programmatic recommendations to the Mission team.

3. Ensure that data generated by M&E and other strategic information systems are of high quality and used for program planning, policy development, advocacy, and program evaluation. Conduct data quality assessments of USAID partners.

4. Support USG partners and Mission technical advisors in providing hands-on technical assistance in all aspects of design, monitoring and evaluation, including development and implementation of M&E systems and tools, reviewing project proposals, leading or assisting in mid-term and final evaluations.

5. Meet regularly with USG partners and key stakeholders to discuss issues related to program vision, strategy, design, and development/implementation on program activities.

6. Provide strategic technical advice for, and prepare portions of, key USG planning and budget documents, such as the PEPFAR COP, semi-annual and annual progress reports.

7. Coordinates USAID Lesotho’s SIMS activities, data quality assessments, data gathering analysis, and interpretation.

C. Representation/Coordination (10%)

1. Coordinate and collaborate with the GOL, other donors including Global Fund, United Nations agencies and other key stakeholders on planning, implementation and policy issues related to strategic information.

2. Strengthen collaboration with donors and other stakeholders to reduce funding overlaps, strengthen technical collaboration, provide technical assistance and enhance the long-term sustainability of strategic information program activities.

3. Develop good working relations with USG technical advisors in Lesotho, country programs/local offices, and headquarters’ technical advisors; exchange information and experience; contribute actively to a broader strategic information learning community.

4. Work closely with the GOL, bilateral and multilateral agencies and other key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration of strategic information activities at the national, regional and local levels to ensure greater country ownership and technical capacity.

5. Represent USAID, and the USG as appropriate, on relevant USG interagency, GOL and donor working groups and in technical discussions on issues related to strategic information programming.

II. QUALIFICATIONS:

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 assist in the achievement of 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.

Education:

Applicants for this position are expected to hold an advance degree (master’s or PhD) in the field of public health informatics, epidemiology, demography or related field is required.

Prior Work Experience:

A minimum of eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience working for an international and/or a development organization, at least 5 of which were spent in a developing country context supporting development programs is required.

Demonstrated, strong technical experience working on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, program planning and budgeting is required. Experience with USAID program management and design, particularly with PEPFAR programs, is highly desirable.

Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated interpersonal, oral and written communication skills including computer skills.

· Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and proactively build consensus.

· Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with multiple U.S. and host country government agencies, non-government organizations, faith based organizations and private sector.

· Proven ability to interpret and coordinate implementation of complex and evolving policy and programmatic guidance in a developing country context.

· Quantitative analysis skills; understanding of databases; knowledge of Excel and statistical software applications.

Language:

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

III. EVALUATION FACTORS:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (100 point maximum):

· Education (10%)

· Work Experience (30%)

· Knowledge (30%)

· Abilities and Skills (30%)

12. 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/DEFINITIONS

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.

iii). Definitions:

Third Country National (TCN):

An individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense.

Resident Hire:

Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

END OF SOLICITATION

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