Infectious_Disease_Advisor_SOLICITATION.pdf

USAID/Mali Infectious Disease Advisor (Health IDA)

1. Solicitation Number: SOL-688-17-000005

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 Infectious Disease Advisor

5. Market value: GS-15 Equivalent ($103,672 - $134,776 per annum), commensurate with the position and experience NOT to exceed the GS-15 ($134,776) -Final compensation within the GS-15 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. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

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: INFECTIOUS DISEASE 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

Background

Mali’s HIV epidemic, with an estimated adult prevalence of 1.3 percent based on the 2012/2013 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), is considered to be generalized, although relatively small for the West Africa region.

While progress has been made among highly vulnerable groups and prevention knowledge has improved in recent years, risk behaviors and vulnerability are still of concern. Populations including sex workers, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, military personnel, truck drivers and miners are most vulnerable. HIV prevalence among commercial sex workers in Mali is 35.3 percent.

The epidemic in Mali is feminized, with women accounting for approximately 60 percent of infections among adults aged 15 and older. The early onset of sexual activity among young women poses an increased risk factor for infection among women ages 15 to 29 compared to men the same age. Recent data show that the HIV prevalence among pregnant women remains high, at more than 3 percent. A 2006 sentinel study found 8.6 percent of pregnant women in the Ségou region to be HIV positive, indicating a serious, localized epidemic.

USAID is Mali’s lead bilateral donor in funding HIV/AIDS activities and is involved in donor coordination across

HIV/AIDS-related interventions and programming. USAID activities focus on preventing the HIV/AIDS epidemic from escalating in Mali by working with 23 local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide behavior change messages to a quarter of a million at-risk people; providing technical assistance (TA) to voluntary counseling and testing services (VCT) targeting 5,000 at risk individuals; assisting the Ministry of Health to develop and train agents in VCT norms and procedures; and providing TA to municipalities in HIV/AIDS project design, execution and accountability.

USAID programs in Mali are implemented in partnership with the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS

Relief (PEPFAR). The first five years of PEPFAR was a $15 billion, multi-faceted approach to combating the disease in more than 100 countries around the world. PEPFAR recently entered its second phase of authorization, at approximately $50 billion, to treat four million individuals, prevent 12 million new infections, and provide care for 12 million individuals, including five million orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The US

Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) oversees and directs all United States Government (USG) international

HIV/AIDS activities.

The Senior HIV/AIDS Technical Advisor (the Advisor) monitors the design, implementation, and performance of

USAID-funded activities in the Mali HIV/AIDS country program, and ensures a fully coordinated and collaborative response to HIV/AIDS. This position builds on the strengths of USAID in program management and monitoring to complement the work of partner USG agencies in country, particularly the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense

(DOD) and the Peace Corps.

The Advisor will:

Serve as USAID’s Infectious Diseases including HIV/AIDS program coordinator, interacting with other

USAID/Mali Technical Teams (Education, Economic Growth, and Governance/Communications), other

USG agencies, multilateral agencies, the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, NGOs and other key stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS programming

Liaise with development partners active in HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Disease, and specifically with the

Country Coordination Mechanism and administrative agents of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and

Malaria, to ensure optimal integration of USG efforts with those of others

Actively foster and facilitate USG interagency collaboration and cooperation

Facilitate communication between named representatives of other USG implementing agencies (i.e., CDC, NIH, DOD, Peace Corps and any other USG agency involved in HIV/AIDS programs in Mali) to ensure critical communication between and among agencies, including action requests, and policy guidance from

USAID/Washington and OGAC

Communicate with the Malian Ministry of Health to promote maximum collaboration and integration between the host country Government HIV/AIDS programs and those being planned and implemented by USG agencies and their partners

Play a key role in the HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Disease prevention technical area to complement the skills of the rest of the USG Infectious Disease country team.

Coordinate with USAID central and regional offices and liaise with in-country implementing partners, provide technical leadership to projects, and reinforce project planning, monitoring and reporting guidance

Under the programmatic direction of the Health Office Director, provide day-to-day program management and oversight for specific activities as determined by the needs of the program

Ensure detailed planning, budget tracking, and performance monitoring of all USAID-funded activities in the program

Serve as a technical advisor for USAID HIV or other infectious Diseases prevention and treatment projects

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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. Responsibilities will include:

Coordination

Convene regular meetings with the USG Mali Infectious Disease & HIV/AIDS Country Team. Prepare and disseminate records of these meetings

Facilitate meetings, as well as disseminate and retain records of meetings with any technical working groups

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 interagency conflicts that may occur in the planning process

Facilitate timely financial and programmatic reporting by participating USG agencies and their implementing partners

Coordinate interagency and Washington clearance processes for technical assistance visits (TDYs), and promote interagency benefit from TDYs whenever possible and appropriate

Support efforts by USG implementing agencies to recruit, qualify, and successfully engage new partners

(especially indigenous) in HIV/AIDS activities and other infectious Diseases prevention and treatment projects

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

Project Management

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

Review performance reports to ensure that partner(s) are in compliance with bilateral government agreements and with the performance expectations outlined in their work plan and in their contract/agreement(s) with USAID. As a technical advisor, maintain detailed and updated project management files for each activity

Coordinate and as needed lead key HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Disease country planning exercises, such as preparation of strategies and operational plans, Annual Report and project implementation reviews

Technical Leadership

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

Maintain state-of-the-art expertise on relevant programmatic behavioral research in the reduction of high-risk behaviors related to HIV and other Infectious Disease transmission

Provide technical and program assistance (including drafting briefing papers, activity reports, meeting outcome and trip reports, etc.) for all USAID-funded HIV/AIDS activities

Work closely with USAID/Washington monitoring and evaluation staff to develop and to update the Mali infectious Disease including HIV/AIDS Country Program’s Performance Monitoring Plan on an annual basis

Assume responsibility for verifying the data quality, tracking tools and data synthesis and use of HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Diseases performance indicators, particularly for USAID-funded partners. Ensure all routine and ad hoc reporting requirements appropriately reflect program priorities and activities

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 IDA will be supervised by the USAID/Mali Health Office Director or his/her designee. The supervisor will set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, projects and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts, coordinating with others, and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. Keeping the supervisor informed of progress, the employee may determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The supervisor will review completed work from an overall standpoint of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements.

The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions.

The employee has responsibility for independently planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work. Evaluation of performance will be carried out

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.

1. United States citizenship;

2. Master's degree in relevant discipline such as Public Health, Public Policy, Administration, Social Sciences, Nursing, or Medicine.

3. Minimum ten (10) years' experience in international public health programming and/or implementation of Infectious Diseases including HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs of which at least three to five years' experience working in international/developing country or resource poor settings.

4. KNOWLEDGE: Minimum three years' experience working in technical oversight, design and implementation of HIV/AIDS and other infectious Diseases prevention and treatment projects and programs in developing countries.

5. LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Excellent written and oral English (Level IV) communication skills. Excellent French (Level II) oral, reading and writing ability.

6. SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple USG agencies and dozens of individuals

Proven interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in an independent capacity and as a member of a team

Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms

Strong conceptual, analytical and reasoning skills

Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment

Demonstrated skill to work effectively and diplomatically as a part of an interagency team, with host country government agencies, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

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:

a. Education (20 points): Master's degree in relevant discipline such as Public Health, Public Policy, Administration, Social Sciences, Nursing, or Medicine.

b. Professional Experience (30 points): Minimum ten (10) years' experience in international public health programming and/or implementation of Infectious Diseases including HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs of which at least three to five years' experience working in international/developing country or resource poor settings.

c. Language Proficiency & Communication Skills (10 points): Excellent written and oral English communication skills. Excellent French oral, reading and writing ability.

d. Knowledge (25 points): Minimum three years' experience working in technical oversight, design and implementation of HIV/AIDS and other infectious Diseases prevention and treatment projects and programs in developing countries.

e. Skills and Abilities (15 points):

•Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple USG agencies and dozens of individuals

•Proven interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in an independent capacity and as a member of a team

•Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms

•Strong conceptual, analytical and reasoning skills

•Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment

•Demonstrated skill to work effectively and diplomatically as a part of an interagency team, with host country government agencies, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and the private sector

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 (available at http://www.usajobs.gov/OF612.asp https://www.usaid.gov/forms or www.fedforms.gov); 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 Infectious Disease 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- 000005.

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.

http://www.usajobs.gov/OF612.asp http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms http://www.fedforms.gov/ 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