USAIDBENIN_SOL-_680-13-000003.pdf

SOLICITATION INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL- 680-13-000003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 31, 2013

3. CLOSING DATE: August 30, 2013 12:00 PM Local Benin Time

4. POSITION TITLE: PMI Malaria Advisor.

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 (US $84,697 to US $110,104)

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with possible extensions of three additional years. Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory Or Better performance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

8. SUPERVISION: USAID/Benin Family Health Team Leader.

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Resident Alien, Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs).

I. COUNTRY BACKGROUND

Benin‘s estimated life expectancy at birth is 60.7 years for men and 65.3 years for women in 2013.

The population estimate for 2013 is 9.67 million, nearly half (45 percent) below 15 years old. The population will grow 2.67 percent this year, with an estimated 386,191 births. A major demographic shift is expected in the next four years: by 2017, Benin will have an urban majority. For the period 2001–2006, Benin’s under-five mortality rate (U5MR) according to the DHS 2006 was 125/1,000 live births and the infant mortality rate (IMR) was 67/1,000 live births. Benin’s 2015 targets for child mortality are: U5MR reduced to 62/1,000 live births, and the IMR to 40 per 1,000 live births. Special attention is required to reduce the neonatal mortality rate, which was estimated at 32/1,000 live births in 2006, and has not significantly declined from the 1996 level of 40/1,000 live births.

The GOB’s National Health Development Plan (PNDS) reflects a measured level of political commitment to health improvements leading to the achievement of health-related MDGs. However, there are major gaps in the MOH’s ability to plan strategically due to poor national investment, weak governance, and inadequate numbers and capacity of health personnel to lead and manage programs.

A package of low-cost, high impact interventions called Paquet d’Interventions à Haut Impact (PIHI) will cover 16 of 34 health zones by 2013, with the others to be covered by 2015. There is an International Health Partnership Plus (IHP+) compact signed by several partners, but not by USAID/Benin or the French Cooperation.

II. USAID/BENIN HEALTH PROGRAM

USAID/Benin has an integrated health program governed by a Global Health Initiative (GHI) Country Strategy 2011-2015 whose objective is: “Improved health of Beninese families.” This objective will be achieved through three complementary Intermediate Results (IRs) described below.

IR1. Improved public health sector performance in delivering integrated family health services.

While overall geographic access to public health facilities is acceptable with 70% of the rural population living within five kilometers of a public health facility, poor leadership and planning, inadequate clinical performance of high impact health services, frequent stock-outs of essential medicines and supplies impede service quality. In rapidly growing urban areas, the problems of patient load, language and lack of information complicate service delivery.

IR2. Improved private health sector performance in delivering integrated family health services.

USAID/Benin will enable private non-profit and for-profit providers to align services with standards applied to USAID’s public sector. USAID will provide technical assistance to enable and equip the MOH to enforce regulations, clinic accreditation and biennial inspections of private health facilities.

Sub-results will include:

IR 3. Improved preventive and care-seeking behavior of an empowered population.

USAID/Benin will fund social marketing and behavior change campaigns using a diverse media. The role of communities in financing their own health care and their advocacy for better services and increased availability of products at the community level will be supported. Sub-results will include:

III. MALARIA OVERVIEW IN BENIN

Malaria contributes 40 percent of out-patient consultations in health facilities, and 22 percent of all hospital admissions in Benin. In 2010, Lancet (375:9730) calculated that 9,165 children under-five died of malaria in 2008, representing 23% of all under-five deaths in Benin. The 2011/2012 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) showed significant improvement in several key indicators, including net ownership and usage, and all-cause mortality in children less than five years of age. The following paragraphs describe PMI progress to date and FY 2013 plans:

Insecticide-treated bed-nets: The NMCP strategy is to support free distribution of long-lasting insecticide impregnated nets (LLINs) through antenatal care (ANC) and immunization clinics, distribution of highly-subsidized LLINs through community-based channels, free distribution through mass campaigns, and the sale of LLINs in the commercial sector. The most recent DHS showed an increase in LLIN ownership from 25% in 2006 to 80% in 2012. With FY 2013 funding, PMI will procure 680,000 LLINs for free distribution to pregnant women at ANC clinics and to children under-five at immunization clinics, will fund mass media campaigns on correct use of LLINs and will support improvements in the LLIN supply chain.

Indoor residual spraying: To date, only PMI is supporting IRS in Benin, currently focusing on nine communes in the northern district of Atacora department. In 2012, all the communes were covered, for a total of 210,380 houses sprayed and 652,777 people protected. With FY 2013 funding, PMI-supported IRS will continue to cover all nine communes of Atacora, protecting an estimated 700,000 people.

Malaria in pregnancy: The national policy of Benin supports the free distribution of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and LLINs to pregnant women presenting at ANC clinics. With FY 2013 funding, PMI will conduct refresher training of health workers in IPTp, supervise health workers to improve the quality of services, strengthen logistics management for malaria in pregnancy commodities, support BCC activities to promote ANC attendance, procure approximately 1 million treatments of SP, and educate pregnant women and communities on the risks of malaria in pregnancy, and the benefits of IPTp.

Case management – Diagnosis: Last year, twelve laboratory technicians and clinicians were trained in microscopy; they now serve as trainers and supervisors for malaria diagnostics in 118 health facilities. An additional 15 laboratory technicians received refresher training and 20 microscopes were provided to reference hospitals. FY 2013 will procure 1.5 million rapid diagnostic tests, 15 microscopes, and provide support for training and supervision of health workers and community agents in malaria diagnostics.

Case management – Treatment: Last year, PMI trained 542 private sector health providers in the new malaria policy to test each case of fever first with a rapid diagnostic test before prescribing treatment with an Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), if the case is confirmed as malaria.

Approximately 2.6 million ACT treatments were procured and onsite supervision and training of health workers was completed. In FY 2013, PMI will procure approximately 1.5 million ACTs and support improved, quality supervision and training of 90% of healthcare workers nationwide.

Case management – Pharmaceutical management: Over the past year, PMI continued to focus on the reform process at the Central Medical Stores. In FY 2013, PMI will continue to provide assistance to strengthen the malaria supply management system at the national, district, and health zone levels and to strengthen the logistic management information system.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Last year, PMI and NMCP staff worked closely on monitoring and evaluation issues through a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Technical Working Group. Also, PMI, via the Regional Institute of Public Health, continued to support the five sentinel sites and improve the quality of the data. Moreover, PMI has provided ongoing technical and financial support to the Routine Malaria Information System. In FY 2013, PMI will continue to support improvement of the health management information system, and both end-use verification and malaria indicator surveys.

Behavior change communication: In collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, PMI provided support for qualitative research to identify barriers to desired malaria-related behaviors. Results from this activity will be used to inform the development of the national malaria communication strategy.

PMI also supported production of radio, TV spots, brochures, training of hang-up volunteers, and the production of media and communication activities for post–insecticide-treated net distribution. In FY 2013, PMI will continue to support this strategy.

Health systems strengthening/Capacity building: PMI is intensifying its efforts to build in-country capacity and integrate malaria activities with other U.S. Government programs. In response to the NMCP’s human resource challenges, PMI invested in the training and attendance at international conferences of several key NMCP staff. Also, PMI supported several training sessions in leadership and development program at the peripheral level. In FY 2013, PMI will continue to support training of NMCP staff in M&E and strengthening supply chain management and the capacity of the logistics management information system.

IV. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

USAID is responsible for all PMI activities in Benin. The PMI Malaria Advisor is responsible to USAID for the implementation of all PMI activities and reports directly to the Family Health Team (FHT) Leader or his designated representative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PMI Resident Advisor will also play an important part in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of PMI-supported activities in Benin. The Malaria Advisor works closely with the CDC Advisor and the FHT leader to ensure the technical quality of PMI-supported activities and interventions while maintaining ultimate responsibility for program implementation.

The PMI USAID Malaria Advisor shall provide leadership, guidance and overall direction to the development and execution of PMI activities in collaboration with the CDC PMI Resident Advisor.

S/He will serve as the USAID Mission Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for several activities under PMI. The USAID PMI Advisor will have management and technical responsibilities and shall liaise with backstops for the PMI in USAID Washington, CDC counterparts in Cotonou and Atlanta, and USAID personnel working within and overseeing the Mission’s activities related to malaria control. These responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration with the counterparts in the NMCP 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 USG entities working in malaria prevention and control.

V. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The USAID PMI Advisor shall exercise substantial judgment in developing, planning and carrying out PMI tasks, in representing the USG in critical technical and policy forums, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking appropriate steps to meet deadlines. With approval from the Mission Director or the Family Health Team (FHT) Leader, the USAID PMI Advisor shall, when requested, perform governmental functions such as officially representing USAID at functions, approving policy documents, budgeting, and developing planning documents related to malaria prevention and control.

The contractor must possess an understanding of the social, economic and cultural determinants and implications of the malaria epidemic in Benin and neighbouring countries, as well as have the experience and skills required to help formulate the USG position on malaria and contribute to important policy decisions as a representative of the USAID/Benin FHT. The USAID PMI Advisor shall:

1. Participate in developing malaria prevention and control activities consistent with the malaria control needs identified by the Strategic Plan of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) and PMI, including the development of planning documents such as the Malaria Operational Plan (MOP), the Benin Health Implementation Plan (HIP), Mission Operational Plan (OP) and other activity implementation documents such as Acquisition and Assistance requests and activity monitoring documents. The PMI Advisor shall also follow-up approval of documents and the arrival of planned malaria-related goods and services.

2. Coordinate the implementation of the Malaria Operational Plan (MOP) with the CDC Advisor.

S/He will serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in the planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial oversight, of malaria projects, and/or act as alternate COR for one or more PMI activities. The PMI Advisor may also take on other COR duties as assigned by the Mission Director or the FHT Leader on malaria-related prevention and control.

3. Work in close coordination with other Roll Back Malaria partners supporting malaria (World Bank, World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and non-governmental organizations) to achieve a smooth, coordinated implementation of PMI activities.

4. Ensure that all malaria activities are consistent with globally-accepted best practices, relevant to Benin’s specific malaria epidemiology, and in conformity with PMI technical and management requirements.

5. Represent USAID at malaria related meetings and ensures effective communication and coordination between PMI-funded activities and malaria programs funded by other donors and the Government of Benin (GOB). These include local meetings and workshops of the Roll Back Malaria consortium, the Annual Integrated Work Plan, and the Malaria Technical Working Groups (TWGs).

6. Provide leadership and managerial support to PMI implementation in Benin, to ensure the quality of interventions supported and that programmatic targets are met.

7. Coordinate with the FHT Commodities and Logistics Specialist to ensure that malaria commodities are purchased in a timely and cost efficient manner and that the distribution of these commodities is monitored.

8. Ensure that malaria activities are integrated with other USAID-supported health activities and coordinate with the NMCP and MOH to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps.

9. Ensure accounting and efficient use of PMI funds, and that financial and technical reports on the PMI in Benin are prepared and submitted on time as required.

10. Work in collaboration with the CDC PMI Advisor to develop and execute a monitoring and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing MOH systems and existing USG supported mechanisms.

VI. OVERALL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The USAID PMI Advisor will collaborate with USAID Benin’s FHT and other staff supporting the health portfolio, and provide technical and administrative guidance on malaria as needed.

Concurrently, the USAID PMI Advisor, in collaboration with the CDC PMI Advisor, shall oversee the planning, implementation and monitoring of the PMI in Benin. S/He will work with the CDC PMI Advisor as a backstopping team liaising with backstops for the PMI in USAID/W, in CDC, and in USAID/Benin FHT. S/He shall consider the big picture of the health portfolio while focusing on malaria activities and work with the entire team to achieve child and maternal mortality reduction goals. The following are the specific proportions of duties the PMI Malaria Advisor shall provide:

1) Management of Activity Implementation (35%)

The USAID PMI Advisor, in collaboration with the NMCP and the CDC Advisor, shall provide technical guidance and management support to implementing agencies to ensure sound management of malaria interventions 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 procurement and distribution through the existing health services and at the community level;

procurement and distribution of anti-malarial drugs through existing health services; Intermittent Preventive Therapy in pregnancy (IPTp) coverage; diagnosis and treatment of severe malaria; and indoor residual spraying supported under the PMI. The PMI Advisor, in collaboration with the CDC PMI Advisor and other FHT members, shall also act as COR of PMI implementing instruments and be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results for all PMI activities. S/He will ensure that PMI activities and other activities being implemented in the FHT are integrated, synergistically implemented and efficient.

2) Activity Development and Design (25%)

The USAID PMI Advisor, working in collaboration with the NMCP and PMI staff, will be responsible for developing annual Malaria Operational Plans (MOP), Health Implementation Plans and Operational Plans in line with PMI objectives and goals. Activities under the MOP include case management of malaria in health facilities and at the community level; distribution of malaria commodities and LLINs through health facilities; large-scale child health campaigns that include LLIN distribution; integration of the private sector; intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women;

indoor residual spraying; and development of information, education and communications materials to promote the use of these interventions. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) will be implemented in targeted areas negotiated between PMI and the NMCP.

3) Partner Relationships (15%)

Successful performance in this position depends on establishing and maintaining productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders. This includes the NMCP and other central MOH units, the departmental health officers, local governments, the World Bank, the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, and other donors, as well as NGOs focused on malaria. The PMI Advisor shall develop and maintain productive relationships with these partners and stakeholders to ensure that all PMI activities are complementary and enhance all other malaria activities being implemented in Benin. S/He will participate in meetings hosted by the Roll Back Malaria consortium (or any of its members) in Benin as appropriate.

4) Coordination with Other PMI Personnel (10%)

The USAID PMI Advisor will be required to communicate regularly and work jointly with the CDC Advisor as well as other members of USAID/Benin’s FHT, staff from USAID/Washington and CDC Atlanta.

5) Monitoring and Evaluation (15%)

The PMI Advisor will work with the CDC PMI Advisor and PMI team to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan in line with the PMI targets, as well as ensure that PMI partners develop project monitoring plans and reports in a timely manner on their activities. It is also expected that the USAID Advisor and the CDC Resident Advisor will provide expert advice to help the MOH, the NMCP and/or other partners to monitor inputs and outcomes, and progress towards NMCP goals. The USAID PMI Advisor will participate in joint monitoring activities with the NMCP. The USAID Advisor and the CDC Advisor shall make sure that monitoring and evaluation reports are reported to PMI/Washington.

Significant results and impact data should also be presented to the NMCP twice a year.

VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Applicants who meet the following minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the criteria in their resume describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

1) Experience – 20 %

The USAID PMI Advisor must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing child survival and maternal health activities, including malaria, and other health programs in developing countries. Preference will be given to candidates working in African contexts. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem-solving skills, working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required. The PMI Advisor will also have experience in project management, experience in designing and evaluating malaria activities in Africa, and knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. S/He must have capacity building and mentoring experience in a developing country. Knowledge of USAID program management policies and regulations are highly desirable, but not required.

2) Education – 20 %

A Master’s Degree in public health, international health, medicine or epidemiology from a recognized institution is required. Specific training in malaria is a plus. Training in USAID programming or other equivalent Management for Results training are desirable, but not required.

3) Language and Communication – 30 %

Strong French and English communication (oral and written) skills are required. This will be evaluated as follows: French communication skills: 10%; English communication skills: 20%.

Excellent verbal communication skills (English and French at the 4/4 or equivalent level), tact and diplomacy are required to establish and maintain good working relationships to maintain trust at the highest level with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are required to negotiate activity plans and resolve implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members.

Ability to communicate technical information to health and non-health audiences is required. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.

4) Computer Skills – 10%

Excellent computer skills: An applicant will not be considered if s/he does not meet these minimum computer software skills: Windows, MS Outlook, word processing, and spreadsheet software is required. Full functionality in using the internet to solve problems and research information is required.

5) Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills – 20%

Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The PMI Advisor: (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. The ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters must be evident.

(b) Must possess the ability to work effectively under pressure in a team environment and communicate technical information to many audiences, and gain consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: USAID reserves the right to conduct in-person or telephonic interviews of the top ranked applicants. In addition, a written test may be given to test language proficiency and technical knowledge. The results of such may be the deciding factor in selection.

References from current and/or previous employers on an applicant’s past performance may be considered in the evaluation.

VIII. SUPERVISION:

Supervision Received: The USAID PMI Advisor will work under the direction of the FHT Leader.

S/H will work with the Family Health Team and other USAID project managers to facilitate collaboration in malaria prevention and control among implementing partners and integration of other relevant USAID/Benin activities. The PMI Advisor shall develop and negotiate an annual work plan with the FHT Leader who will evaluate her/him annually on the basis of the work plan.

Supervision Exercised: As assigned by the FHT Leader, he may exercise supervisory responsibilities on other PMI-supported FHT staff as needed.

IX. TRAINING:

Once selected, the applicant shall take the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) training if s/he has not done so, to become certified.

X. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

The logistical support USAID/Benin provides includes office space and equipment, transportation in country for official meetings, work related travel arrangements/tickets and secretarial and translation services.

XI. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The Personal Services Contract will be for two years, with the possibility of options of up to three-one year extensions. Exercising the options to extend will be at the sole discretion of USAID/Benin and will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and a minimum of satisfactory performance.

XII. APPLYING

Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 or SF-171 to demonstrate how their previous experience and skills are suited for this position. Applicants must provide names and contact information for at least three to five references. Applicants must submit:

A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices);

All applicants must submit a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation). Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are requested to provide their full mailing address and contact information (including telephone and/or e-mail where available).

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number SOL- 680-13-000003" on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Only the highest ranking applicants will be interviewed in person or by phone.

Note: No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

XIII. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. The applicant selected to fill the position must be able to receive a no access or limited security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

2. The applicant selected to fill the position must receive medical clearance to work in USAID/Benin, Cotonou. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

XIV. COMPENSATION

The position has been classified at a GS-14 level for U.S citizens and Off Shore hire TCNs. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of GS-14 for U.S. citizens and Off-shore hire TCNs. Salaries over and above the market value will not be entertained or negotiated.

NB: Local hire USPSC will be eligible to benefits 1 to 7. If a US citizen or Resident Alien, the contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED

THE FOLLOWING:

Benefits:

1. Employee's FICA contribution*

2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment

4. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)

5. Annual and Sick Leave

6. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

7. Medevac insurance

8. Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service for USPSC (Department of State approval required)

NB: No allowances will be paid to CCNs and Benin National with U.S. Resident Alien status.

Allowances: (If applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below)

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

3. Post Allowance (Section 220)

4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

6. Education Allowance (Section 270)

7. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

8. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

9. Danger Pay (Section 650)

10. Educational Travel

XV. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) OR ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs.

AAPDs/CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply to this contract.

XVI. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612

2. Contractor Physical Examination For children 11 years and under (DS-1622)**

3. Contractor Physical Examination For children 12 years and over (DS-1843)**

4. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)**,

5. Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)**

6. Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)**

7. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

8. Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974 **

9. Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)**.

** The forms listed 2 through 9 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.