GHSA_SOLICITATION.pdf

USAID/Mali Global Health Security Agenda Advisor (GHSA)

1. Solicitation Number: SOL-688-17-000004

2. Issuance date: January 10, 2017

3. Closing date and time specified for receipt of applications at USAID/Mali:

January 31, 2017 at 17:00 GMT

4. Position title: USAID/Mali Global Health Security Agenda Advisor

5. Market value: GS-14 Equivalent ($88,136 - $114,578 per annum), commensurate with the position and experience NOT to exceed the GS-14 ($144,578) -Final compensation within the GS-14 grade range will be based on the individual’s salary history, work experience and educational background.

6. Organization Location of Position: USAID/Mali, Bamako, Mali

7. Direct Supervisor: Health Office Director or Designee

8. Supervisory Control: Minimal. The GHSA Technical Advisor will be supervised by and report to the USAID Mali Health Director or his/her designee.

9. Period of Performance: The Personal Services Contract will be for two years, and additional years option periods subject to availability of funds and Mission requirements.

10. Place of Performance: Bamako, Mali

11. Security Access: USPSC: The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain an employment authorization security clearance “Secret” as a pre-condition for employment.

12.

13.

Area of Consideration:

Medical Clearance:

All U.S. Citizens

The successful candidate shall be required to obtain a medical certification proving aptitude to work and Medical evacuation insurance that is provided through your chosen service provider.

(Most USPSC are under MEDEX (Work: 410-453-6330; 800-527-0218; Fax: 410-

453-6301; E-mail: info@medexassit.com or Website: www.medexassist.com ) 9515

Deereco Road, 4 th Floor, POB 5375. Timonium, MD 21904-5375.)

Receipt of Medical clearance and insurance are a prerequisite for employment.

mailto:info@medexassit.com http://www.medexassist.com/

STATEMENT OF WORK – INFECTIOUS DISEASE ADVISOR

14. RECOMMENDED POSITION TITLE: GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY AGENDA ADVISOR

15.ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: USAID/Mali, Health Team

16.POSITION TITLE/GRADE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Health Office Director or Designee

17.INTRODUCTION & COUNTRY BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks to employ a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) who will be responsible for ensuring the well‐coordinated and effective program implementation of the U.S. Government

(USG) GHSA portfolio in Mali, as well as providing executive‐level representation of the USAID portfolio on behalf of the

USG. This portfolio includes priority USG programing for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness, and the GHSA elements to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Practically speaking, this includes overseeing the seven existing partners for the Ebola follow on, plus a new Preparedness & Response (PNR) Cooperative Agreement and expectant grant to the Food & Agriculture Office (FAO) under the USAID Washington’s Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT) program to pre‐empt or combat, at their source, newly emerging diseases of animal origin that could threaten human health.

The Senior GHSA Technical Advisor will be responsible to lead and help coordinate a complex multi‐sectoral, portfolio, providing administrative, technical and representational support to the portfolio as required. This position will be the senior ranking position in the USAID Mali Health Office, under the supervision of the Health Office Director of USAID Mali or his/her designee. S/he will also provide technical support to the USG Health Office in Mali and help manage implementing partners. S/he will supervise at least one national staff.

Placement of a Senior GHSA Technical Advisor in Mali fills a critical role for USAID to meet the expectations of the White

House and Congress for rapid, effective, and coordinated implementation of GHSA Action Packages. Under GHSA, the

Technical Advisor will work closely with other USG partners to ensure effective interagency coordination, particularly the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD) offices providing support for GHSA implementation (DTRA, AFRICOM, OSC), and the State Department which has oversight authority for GHSA, thus contributing to a "whole of government" approach.

BACKGROUND

In today’s globalized world, the speed with which newly emergent diseases can surface and spread, as illustrated by the

H1N1 virus pandemic in 2009, raises serious public health, economic, security and development concerns. It also underscores the need for the global community to act preemptively and systematically to improve individual countries’ abilities to earlier identify and quickly mitigate health threats arising within their borders.

The majority of all new, emerging and re‐emerging diseases affecting humans at the beginning of the twenty‐first century have originated from animals. Many of these infectious diseases are of serious concern to human and animal health, and they are emerging in places where humans, wildlife, and domestic animals are increasingly in contact. The early recognition of a potential threat allows for a global effort to take preemptive steps to bring the spread of the virus under greater control – and by extension possibly reduce the opportunities for it to emerge as a pandemic threat.

The socio‐economic implications of existing and emerging zoonotic threats were underscored by Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa. In response to the devastating effects of the outbreak on the region, in December 2014, the USG prioritized support to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

The effective response to the challenges caused by the emerging multifaceted health threats undoubtedly requires a multi‐disciplinary approach. The EVD epidemic, MERS, and a recent spread of Avian Influenza in West Africa are jarring examples of the need for greater capability in all countries and across multiple sectors to rapidly detect and respond to new or re‐emerging public health threats. In November 2014, USAID launched the second, five‐year phase of the

Emerging Pandemic Threats Project (EPT‐2). At the core of EPT‐2 are seven areas of strategic focus:

1. Developing longitudinal data sets for understanding the biological drivers of viral evolution, spillover, amplification, and spread

2. Understanding the human behaviors and practices that underlie the risk of “evolution, spillover, amplification and spread” of new viral threats

3. Promoting policies and practices that reduce the risk of virus evolution, spillover, amplification, and spread, specifically targeting four areas of risk identified under EPT-1; the Extractive Industry; urban/peri-urban markets;

livestock “value chains” in Asia, and Africa Livestock Futures

4. Supporting national One Health platforms

5. Investing in the One Health workforce

6. Strengthening national preparedness to respond to events of public health significance

7. Strengthening global networks for real-time bio-surveillance.

The Global Health Security depends on a peaceful and secure environment in which to operate, including stable populations movements, especially in the northern region and borders with Guinea and Burkina Faso.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The objective of this position is to provide leadership and representation to the USAID Mali Mission to ensure appropriate oversight of all USAID programmatic investments in the country. Successful completion of this objective will require working with a wide array of USG partners, local government ministries, other donor partners, regional economic bodies, international organizations, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), and implementing partners. The highest result is a rapid, effective, and coordinated oversight of GHSA action packages.

The GHSA Technical Advisor, working with the USAID Mali Health team, will provide management, coordination, and representational expertise to key partners in Mali and in Washington, with a key focus on achieving results under USAID’s

GHSA portfolio. The Advisor will liaise with the Agency’s GHSD Unit in Washington, DC. S/he will ensure that the Mission’s planning and response to GHSA and EPT‐2 is carried out in accordance with Agency and State Department directives.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Specifically, the incumbent will focus on the following:

1. Management of the GHSA Initiatives and Implementing Partners (50% LOE)

a) Facilitate the GHSA coordination of USAID and USG‐funded activities in Mali broadly ‐ this includes CDC and DOD‐ funded work to ensure the most cost‐effective, and diplomatic approach to supporting the GOM’s and the USG’s goals under the GHSA program; It also includes coordination of other health programs (FP, MCH, Malaria, NTDs, etc.), and other technical offices (education, economic growth, democracy & governance) as necessary.

b) Facilitate coordination of USAID GHSA Implementing partners in Mali – including through partner meetings; also ensure that all USAID implementing partners are compliant with USAID regulations and contractual agreements.

c) Reinforce the role of GOM to establish and maintain a coordination network among partners in the country whose activities are related to EPT activities. Such partners include: bi‐lateral donors, international organizations (WHO, FAO, OIE, etc.), National governments and their relevant ministries, private sector, international and local NGOs, etc.

d) Develop and maintain relationships with all relevant ministries in the country to ensure that programs are coordinated and support as appropriate.

e) Ensure integration of EPT activities with the broader USAID portfolio: seeking economies of scale, and opportunities for cost‐effective integration.

f) During disease outbreak situations ensure that EPT assets are tightly coordinated with interagency leadership, as led by the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Embassy in supporting the national government.

g) Seek opportunities to bring new partners into GHSA programming, including private sector or other donors as appropriate.

2. Provide Technical Advice and leadership on Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response, GHSA policy implementation, Emerging Pandemic Threats, and Avian Flu/One Health (50% LOE)

a) Provide information to USAID Mali and USAID Washington on infectious disease preparedness, prevention, detection, and response context and capacities in Mali, including zoonotic diseases, One Health approach, and Global Health

Security.

b) Work closely with USG country team to engage in high‐level advocacy with various ministries from host government to ensure effective USAID support to the implementation of GHSA in Mali, including advocacy to promote One Health approach to addressing existing and emerging pandemic threats. Represent USAID Mali to high level USG diplomats and VIPs, Senior GOM Officials, and other external partners as appropriate ‐ this includes both speaking and written interactions.

c) Provide technical support and guidance to the host government in establishing effective and improved roadmap to achieving GHSA targets. Ensure the EPT program is aligned with the GOM’s priorities and GHSA requirements.

d) Keep abreast of new developments and emerging issues that affect USAID‘s priorities related to GHSA via literature review, attendance at technical meetings, workshops, and participation in relevant training events. Share relevant information and recommendations with USAID and other USG colleagues. This includes current information on outbreaks globally and in the region.

e) Technical representation and leadership on One Health Working Groups in closer collaboration with the GOM.

18. SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE:

The incumbent will be supervised by the USAID/Mali Health Officer, or his/her designee and receive annual performance reviews. The GHSA Technical Advisor will supervise at least one GHSA FSN Advisor.

19. EXERCISE JUDGEMENT:

The incumbent exercises a broad scope of independent judgment and refers to immediate supervisor and other professional staff members on matters pertaining to policy, priority or resolution of problems for which there is no clear precedent or commitment of funds. Incumbent must be able to manage a wide range of tasks across a broad spectrum of technical and management issues. Prior demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically and managing group dynamics is essential. The ability to meet multiple, often short deadlines is also essential.

20. AUTHORITY TO MAKE TECHINICAL DECISIONS:

The incumbent cannot make financial commitments but must be able to clearly outline technical options for office leadership.

21. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:

As the key representative of Health, incumbent will have personal contacts, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, GOM officials, and U.S. and local implementing partners. Incumbent should maintain a personal contact with Host country Government agencies, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

As part of the interagency USG HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Team, the Advisor will assist in coordination of the team as well as provide technical leadership in prevention for the country program. Convene regular meetings with the USG Mali Infectious Disease & HIV/AIDS Country Team. Facilitate operational and strategic planning processes to ensure development of a balanced HIV/AIDS program and other Infectious Diseases prevention and treatment projects in Mali, and mediate Prepare and disseminate periodic internal and external updates/status reports on Infectious Disease including HIV/AIDS in Mali. Internal audiences shall be limited to

USG participants, including USAID/Washington and OGAC. External audiences shall include host country

Government partners and stakeholders; non-governmental implementing partners; and, less frequently, the host country's media and the general public. Provide technical input on annual work plans for implementing partners and ensure these are consistent with current USG and Government of Mali priorities. Maintain specific and in-depth knowledge of applicable USG laws and legislative directives as well as regulations, particularly regarding the allowable use of HIV/AIDS funds in the spectrum of HIV/AIDS programming. Support the development, improvement, and dissemination of sound Infectious Disease including HIV/AIDS policies and programs in response to evolving epidemiological data, and liaise with Government of Mali officials, development partners, NGOs and other implementing agencies in the specialized areas for which the Advisor is responsible, including prevention and Most At-Risk Populations.

22. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position may also require travel throughout the country of assignment, which may involve some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). The incumbent will have office space within the USAID building on the US

Embassy compound.

23. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL: The primary place of work is USAID/Mali located in Bamako. The incumbent will be required to travel within Mali to meet the responsibilities of the position.

24. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID/Mali reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

a. United States citizenship;

b. Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public health, or similar related disciplines is required. Additional studies/certificates or training may be an advantage.

c. Minimum of seven years of public health and development (program management, project implementation, leadership and representation) experience – or similar related experience in developing countries is required (at least five of these years should be in developing country contexts – other experience may be at headquarters level).

d. KNOWLEDGE:

The incumbent must have experience with international organization(s) working on animal and/or human public health, i.e. WHO, FAO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and/or USG or other donor programs working on One Health or similar cross-sector programs related to biosecurity.

Experience coordinating complex programs with multiple partners across sectors is required and must be demonstrated. Experience in One Health/Avian Flu/Infectious Disease is an advantage.

Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, data analysis, reporting and dissemination within resource poor settings. This may include academic research.

Must have experience in developing budgets, ensuring financial reporting, and ensuring adherence to organizational or government compliance standards.

Must be able to demonstrate good judgment and presentation skills in front of high level representatives. This includes being able to represent topics on which the incumbent is not a n expert.

Experience/examples of this should be demonstrated.

Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements is desirable

e. LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Fluency in French (level II) and English (level IV); in both oral and written communication in professional, technical and policy communication with host country government representatives and partners across sectors.

f. SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate even highly technical information or areas outside of the incumbent’s expertise to non-technical audiences at high levels of political authority.

Excellent leadership, supervisory and communication skills

High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity, and originality to interpret strategy and to analyze, develop, and present work results

25. SELECTION FACTORS: To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, further consideration and selection will be based on panel interview and assessment of the selection factors 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 announcement number at the top of each additional page. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on:

Education (15 points):

Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public health, or similar related disciplines is required.

Additional studies/certificates or training may be an advantage.

Relevant Experience (40 points):

Minimum of seven years of public health and development (program management, project implementation, leadership and representation) experience – or similar related experience in developing countries is required (at least five of these years should be in developing country contexts – other experience may be at headquarters level)

Demonstrated experience with international organization(s) working on animal and/or human public health, i.e. WHO, FAO, OIE and/or USG or other donor programs working on One Health or similar cross‐sector programs related to biosecurity.

Experience coordinating complex programs with multiple partners across sectors is demonstrated

(required). Experience in One Health/Avian Flu/Infectious Disease is an advantage.

Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, data analysis, reporting and dissemination within resource‐ poor settings. This may include academic research.

Must have experience in developing budgets, ensuring financial reporting, and ensuring adherence to organizational or government compliance standards.

Must have experience as a supervisor – in a multi‐cultural team

Skills and Technical Knowledge (20 points)

Possesses technical understanding of the GHSA, the WHO International Health Regulations, and the One Health Approach.

Possesses technical knowledge about monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, data quality assurance, analysis reporting and best practices in data dissemination in international/resource poor settings

Able to articulate logical arguments and develop clarity of thought during technical and political discussions in a multi‐lingual/multi‐cultural environment. (Political and cultural sensitivity).

Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements is desirable

Must be able to demonstrate good judgment and presentation skills in front of high‐level representatives. This includes being able to represent topics on which the incumbent is not an expert.

Experience/examples of this should be demonstrated.

Communication and Language (15 points)

Fluency in French (level II) and English (level IV); in both oral and written communication in professional, technical and policy communication with host country government representatives and partners across sectors.

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely on personal or highly technical areas.

Is able to articulate clearly and concisely to high level decision‐makers on topics outside of his/her area of expertise.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (10 points):

Demonstrated experience working successfully and effectively in a multi‐cultural team environment

(teamwork and multi‐cultural awareness) on complex issues or programs

Demonstrated examples of leadership and supervisory skills in complex situations (leadership and supervision) ‐ is able to explain their personal theories of leadership and supervision and give a personal example of its application

Demonstrated high degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity, and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop, and present work results and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs

Maximum Evaluation Score: 100

26. HOW TO APPLY: To ensure consideration of application for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email, cover letter and any other attached pages. The highest rated applicants may be selected for interviews.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section 22. Applications received after the date and time shall be considered late and will be considered at the discretion of the Government.

Please confirm that all documents submitted were received prior to the closing date and time of this notice.

Qualified individuals are requested to submit the following documents in order to have a complete application package:

1. A U.S. Government Optional Form 612 or SF-171. The OF 612 or the SF-171 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

2. A resume or curriculum vitae relevant to the position for which the applicant is applying;

3. A cover letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent's skills and experience fit the requirements of the Global Health Security Agenda Advisor position.

4. Applicants are required to provide three (3) to five (5) professional references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. References should have knowledge of the candidate's ability to perform the duties set forth in the application and must not be family members or relatives.

Applicants must provide their telephone and email addresses and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

27. SUBMIT APPLICATION:

Human Resources Management Office - Email: bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov by 1/31/2017 17:00 GMT.

Bamako, Mali time. Please include the following in the subject line for all email submission: SOL-688-17- 000004.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

U.S. Agency for International Development

ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297

B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33

28. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC:

Forms outlined below can found at: https://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Federal employment form (Form AID-302-3).**

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).**

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). **

** Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

29. BENEFITS, ALLOWANCES AND PAYMENT OF TAXES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances.

17.1 Benefits (if applicable)

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 and Sick Leave;

g. Leave Without Pay;

h. Compensatory Leave;

i. Shipment and storage of household effects;

j. Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle);

k. Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service.

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

17.2 Allowances (if applicable)

USPSCS will be eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below – if applicable.

a. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120);

b . Living Quarters Allowance (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/Ordered Departure (Section 600);

j. Danger Pay (Section 650);

k. Consumables Allowance.

19. CLOSING DATE:

Applications must be in the USAID/Mali Executive or Contracting Office no later than January 31, 2017 at

17:00 GMT.

EEO/AA: USAID IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms