AMENDED_SOL-AID-009-16_PEPFAR_Zambia_Deputy_Country_Coordinator.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: AMENDMENT TO SOL-AID-009-16

SUBJECT: Solicitation for United States (U.S.) Personal Service Contractor – Supervisory Executive Officer in the Executive Office.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified United States (U.S.)

citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation for services in Lusaka, Zambia.

Interested applicants must submit:

(1) 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.

(2) Application cover letter: Applicants are required to submit an application cover letter addressing each of the Evaluation Criteria describing their expertise, experience, training, and education relevant to each criterion.

(3) Form AID-302-3: This 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 AID-302-3; and,

(4) 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. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications based on the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the AID-302-3.

Please note that the U.S. mail system is not as reliable as other methods of submitting applications. Although submission methods include: courier, overnight mail service, hand delivery or fax, the preferred method of submission is emailing electronic copies to exozambiahr@usaid.gov . Applications must be signed and dated.

In addition, hard copies of certain documents may be requested. Applicants are responsible for submitting the AID-302-3, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation.

An application received after the AMENDED closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.412.

USAID/Zambia reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Submit applications by e-mail to:

Human Resources Office E-mail address: exozambiahr@usaid.gov

All questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to:

Mr. Sean Mendoza Executive Officer E-mail address: smendoza@usaid.gov

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications.

Sincerely, Sean Mendoza mailto:exozambiahr@usaid.gov mailto:smendoza@usaid.gov

PEPFAR DEPUTY COUNTRY COORDINATOR POSITION

U.S. MISSION TO ZAMBIA

SUBJECT: Off Shore USPSC: PEPFAR Zambia Deputy Country Coordinator

SOLICITATION NUMBER: Re-Solicitation AID-009-16

ISSUANCE DATE: December 15, 2016

CLOSING DATE/TIME: EXTENDED: February 10, 2017, 5pm Lusaka

POSITION TITLE: Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator

MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to GS-13 Level. Final compensation will be based on individual’s salary history, working experience, and educational background.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four (4) option years, depending on availability of funds

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Lusaka, Zambia

SECURITY ACCESS: Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only

EVALUATION FACTORS: Reference section IV

POSITION DESCRIPTION/STATEMENT OF WORK:

I. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION AND BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator, reporting to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) in Zambia, will support the full mandate of the PEPFAR Coordination Office (PCO). The Deputy Country Coordinator will work closely with the PCC to ensure full communication between all U.S. government departments and agencies involved in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Zambia: particularly the interagency core team; the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC); designated Embassy counterparts; and other representatives of PEPFAR Zambia U.S. government implementing agencies. The incumbent provides full support to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator and advice and counsel to other members of the PCO on all matters related to PEPFAR in Zambia.

II. STATEMENT OF WORK

A. BACKGROUND ON U.S. GOVERNMENT’S HIV/AIDS PROGRAM

Launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush, PEPFAR holds a place in history as the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. In the first five years of the program, PEPFAR focused on establishing and scaling up prevention, care and treatment programs. It achieved success in expanding access to HIV prevention, care and treatment in low-resource settings. During its first phase, PEPFAR supported the provision of treatment to more than 2 million people, care to more than 10 million people, including more than 4 million orphans and vulnerable children, and prevention of mother-to-child treatment services during nearly 16 million pregnancies.

On July 30, 2008 the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 5501) was signed into law authorizing up to $48 billion over 5 years to combat global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. In the second phase of PEPFAR, a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach that expands access to prevention, care and treatment and builds greater country ownership continued to be pursued.

In December 2013, President Obama signed the ‘PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act of 2013’ into law. The bill extends existing authorities for five years and strengthens oversight of PEPFAR. As PEPFAR builds upon its successes, it will continue its focus on transitioning from an emergency response to promoting sustainable country programs.

B. SPECIFIC FOCUS AREAS IN ZAMBIA

The U.S. government program in Zambia combines the Departments of State and Defense, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Peace Corps to implement an integrated program covering HIV prevention, care and treatment. These U.S.

government partners have come together to create an HIV/AIDS program that supports existing activities in Zambia, and have built national platforms for program scale-up, especially for clinic-and facility-based services, and OVC and community-based care. The PEPFAR Zambia interagency team is comprised of over 100 programmatic and technical staff and additional management and administrative support staff. The PEPFAR Coordination Office has nine full-time staff members, including the PEPFAR Country Coordinator.

PEPFAR Zambia is a collaborating partner with other in-country stakeholders including, first and foremost, the Government of the Republic of Zambia primarily through the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC), the Ministry of Health (MOH), http://www.pepfar.gov/documents/organization/108294.pdf http://www.pepfar.gov/documents/organization/108294.pdf the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and other donors or cooperating partners.

C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator manages day-to-day operations of the PEPFAR Coordination Office. Activities of the Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator will include but are not limited to the following:

1. HIV/AIDS coordination with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator

(OGAC)

a. With the Country Coordinator, manage iterative participation in headquarters interagency reviews of the annual Zambia Country Operational Plans, semi-annual and annual performance reporting, and other PEPFAR wide review processes.

b. Serve as first point of contact for ad hoc queries from OGAC regarding status of overall planning and reporting for PEPFAR in Zambia.

c. Compile and share budgetary information with and between OGAC and in-country participating agencies to ensure rapid and effective availability and use of funds.

d. Represent PEPFAR Zambia at external stakeholder meetings as assigned by the PCC.

2. HIV/AIDS coordination and planning with Zambia’s PEPFAR Interagency Team and Embassy/Lusaka

a. Manage all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Interagency leadership and technical teams to better coordinate programs.

b. Manage communications with other U.S. Embassy Lusaka sections especially the Executive and Public Affairs Offices.

c. Ensure the full implementation of all PEPFAR policies and directives from Washington and the timely submission of all PEPFAR documents including the Country Operations Plan (COP), the Annual Performance Review (APR) and all other required documentation and reporting.

d. Oversee preparation for the quarterly PEPFAR oversight accountability response team (POART) calls between the PEPFAR Zambia and headquarters including review of results, expenditures, and tracking policy changes.

e. Assist the Country Coordinator and collaborate with other U.S.

government implementing agencies to analyze Expenditure Analysis partner results.

f. Develop and oversee efforts to support ongoing team building exercises and strengthened interagency communication and collaboration capabilities.

g. Serve as Acting PEPFAR Country Coordinator when the Country Coordinator is out of the office.

3. Budgeting and administrative skills

a. Supervises financial, administrative, and public affairs staff members

(locally employed staff (LES) and eligible family members (LES)) within the PEPFAR Coordination Office;

b. Serve as administrative point of contact for Embassy/Lusaka financial, general services, and other administrative offices;

c. With the Country Coordinator, assist in developing and managing performance within the annual operating budget for the Country Coordination Office.

Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational and programming need.

D. POSITION ELEMENTS

1. Supervisory Controls: Works under the supervision of the PEPFAR

Country Coordinator who provides administrative direction, and may suggest approaches to consider, results expected, and reviews completed assignments. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the incumbent is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor.

Incumbent will seek advice and assistance as required. Performance evaluations are based primarily on accomplishments and compliance with policies and procedures.

2. Supervision Exercised: Supervises financial, administrative, and public affairs (LES and EFM) staff within the PEPFAR Coordination Office.

3. Exercise of Judgment: High degree of judgment, maturity, organization, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy; to analyze, develop and present work; and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs.

4. Available Guidelines: Available guidelines include PEPFAR Notices and guidance, the FAR and AIDAR, and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation. Guidelines from different agencies and offices may be unclear and conflicting, requiring substantial judgment and interpretation.

5. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts:

Frequent contact with stakeholders in and outside the Mission concerning strategy and policy issues, coordination, and consultations. Contacts include the supervisor, interagency mid and senior level leadership, and mid and senior level Government of the Republic of Zambia officials; and, mid and senior officials from the donor community, implementing partners, and the private sector.

E. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: MPH or MS in health, public health, epidemiology, sociology, or related discipline.

Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in public health/development programs with at least two years in developing countries/resource poor setting. Demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in (a) program analysis and planning, and (b) planning and management of programs in developing countries. Minimum three years’ demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country or resource-poor context. At least two years of experience working with U.S. government in one or more of the PEPFAR countries, or at one of the PEPFAR headquarter agencies (USAID, CDC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, Peace Corps, or HRSA).

Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases. Skills in organizing complex activities with large groups. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment. Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations. Knowledge of U.S. government policies and guidance related to implementation of PEPFAR preferred.

Ability to manage and work with diverse teams. Possess a critical eye for details and strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills. Willingness to reside in a developing country.

Language: Level IV English ability (fluency) is required. The incumbent must possess excellent English writing and editing skills, as well as an excellent ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into a cohesive, polished document is required. Demonstrated speaking and presentation skills in English are also required, as is preparing analytic briefings for key U.S. government and other leaders/decision makers.

III. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS:

The incumbent’s will not be able to make financial commitments.

IV. EVALUATION FACTORS

The following factors are listed in descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers for relevant information concerning performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

1. Technical Knowledge and Ability (35%):

Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases. Skills in organizing complex activities with large groups of people. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment. Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations. Knowledge of U.S. government policies and guidance related to implementation of PEPFAR preferred. Ability to manage and work with diverse teams. Possess a critical eye for details and strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills. Willingness to reside in a developing country.

2. Relevant Work Experience (30%):

Minimum of five years of experience in public health/development programs with at least two years in developing countries/resource poor setting.

Demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in (a) program analysis and planning, and (b) planning and management of programs in developing countries. Minimum three years’ demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country or resource-poor context. At least two years of experience working with U.S. government in one or more of the PEPFAR countries, or at one of the PEPFAR headquarter agencies (USAID, CDC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, Peace Corps, or

HRSA).

3. Communications/Interpersonal Skills (25%):

Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and maintain a wide range of senior-level and working-level contacts with health programs in governmental, non-governmental, and private-sector circles. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate in an interagency setting, often under pressure of short deadlines and multiple demands. Demonstrated leadership ability and interpersonal skills including flexibility, patience, facilitation, team building and conflict/problem solving skills required in a cross-cultural environment are required. Demonstrated excellent writing and speaking/presentation skills in English are required, and in preparing analytic briefings for key U.S. government and other leaders/decision makers. Strong financial management and administrative skills to track the performance of implementing partners as needed.

Computer literacy, including skill using word processing programs, email, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software.

4. Education (10%): MPH or MS in health, public health, epidemiology, sociology or related discipline.

5. Other requirements –

The incumbent must be:

A US citizen.

In possession of, or able to obtain, a basic security clearance

Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary.

Willing to travel to work sites outside of Lusaka as and when requested.

V. APPLYING

For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

Interested applicants must submit:

(1) 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.

(2) Application cover letter: Applicants are required to submit an application cover letter addressing each of the Evaluation Criteria describing their expertise, experience, training, and education relevant to each criterion.

(3) Form AID-302-3: This 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 AID-302-3; and,

(4) 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. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

Submit applications by e-mail to:

Human Resources Office E-mail address: exozambiahr@usaid.gov

All questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to:

Mr. Sean Mendoza

E-mail address: smendoza@usaid.gov

Required Forms for PSCs: The following forms and others shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Additional forms may be required at the time the selection process is completed.

Medical History and Examination (DS-6561) Questionnaire for the Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-sensitive Positions (SF-85) Fingerprint card

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.

VI. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES

A. Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver, through the Dept.

of State, Office of Medical Clearances, for the country of performance specified.

Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

B. Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a security clearance through the Regional Security Office. An Employment Authorization will be requested while a personal background investigation mailto:exozambiahr@usaid.gov mailto:smendoza@usaid.gov is conducted for the required level of clearance.

VII. REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

A. USAID Regulations:

1. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs): CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts.

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: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/309 and https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf are the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.

B. 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):

A. Benefits:

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave (only earned for actual work days)

(6) Access to Embassy medical facilities and pouch mail service

(7) Shipment and Storage of household effects [limited shipment authorized]

*NOTE: As a US citizen or US resident (Green Card holder), the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

B. ALLOWANCES (if applicable)*

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowances (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) Education Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(9) Payments During Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(11) Consumables Allowance

Benefits and allowances are provided in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf.

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

C. Federal 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.

VIII. TERM OF PERFORMANCE:

The base term of the contract will be for two years, which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-13 position in the U.S.

government Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and salary history. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire U.S. government employees will be added.

END SOLICITATION