A -- Public Health Management Specialist

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 26/2004 (2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/23/2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 08/09/2004 (6 p.m. Almaty time) 4. POSITION TITLE: Public Health Management Specialist (Uzbekistan) 5. MARKET VALUE: $62,905 - $81,778 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR), located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government's assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. In addition to the Regional Mission in Almaty, Country Offices are located in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and work in close collaboration with the Regional Mission to implement the regional strategy. Within the Regional Mission, the Office of Health and Education (HE) has primary responsibility for the management of assistance in the social sectors, primarily health reform, prevention and control of infectious diseases, maternal and child health and reproductive health, humanitarian and disaster assistance and basic education initiatives. USAID/CAR's objective in health care is to assist the governments of Central Asia to improve the financial sustainability, efficacy, and quality of their health care systems, while ensuring equitable access. In the area of infectious diseases, USAID/CAR's emphasis is on the prevention and control of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, hepatitis, acute respiratory infections (ARI), control of diarrheal diseases (CDD), and sexually transmitted infections (STI). B) BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: The USPSC Health Specialist is located in the USAID/CAR/Uzbekistan Country Office (UCO) in Tashkent. Under the dual supervision of the USAID/CAR/UCO Country Representative and the Director for Health and Education, the employee serves as the Mission's Health Specialist for a broad range of health activities implemented in Uzbekistan, such as health finance, health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and STIs, with additional responsibilities in other priority areas such as health partnerships. Work involves a full range of project design, activity monitoring and management, data collection, analysis and program evaluation in the health sector in Uzbekistan. The employee is responsible for overseeing USAID/CAR/Uzbekistan initiatives in the health sector as assigned. As such, the employee must have considerable knowledge of health issues in the region, a background in public health programming, and must be effective in developing cooperative working relationships with government officials, international donors, USAID implementing partners and local non-governmental partners. C) MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Public Health Management Specialist's responsibilities and duties shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1) Manages, monitors and reports on the implementation of assigned health activities (health finance, health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and STIs, health partnerships) to ensure results are achieved. Identifies barriers to program implementation and success, and proposes solutions to maximize program impact. Maintains effective liaison with contractors/grantees in Uzbekistan. Works collaboratively with USAID Central Asia Regional Mission Health and Education technical staff from Almaty to ensure program and activities are implemented effectively. Fulfills the role of Cognizant Technical Officer and Activity Manger, as assigned. 2) Reviews project activity reports and work plans, provides comments and prepares progress reports. Drafts mid-term and annual program review documents for health program in Uzbekistan, highlighting success stories and program impact achieved, and describing future plans and activities. Drafts success stories, reporting cables and other informational documents to publicize USAID's health assistance in Uzbekistan. Reviews financial reports and documents, as needed. 3) Provides technical leadership and expert advice in health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (and other priority areas) for strategy design; project planning and implementation; technical review and drafting of documents; monitoring and follow-up of field activities; and tracking of trend data for program monitoring and design purposes. 4) Under the guidance of the USAID/CAR/UCO Country Representative and technical supervision of the Health and Education Director, provides strategic advice to the Health and Education Office, to permit continual honing of USAID's strategy and approach to ensure the health program is appropriate given local conditions, developments and opportunities. 5) Participates in the review of proposed Mission programs to determine feasibility and sustainability. Identifies needs for new health interventions and for modifying existing ones, and participates in their development. 6) Tracks development of and analyzes policy issues crucial for the successful implementation of health activities in Uzbekistan. Monitors pertinent legislation and local media to stay abreast of the latest developments that could impact USAID's health program. 7) Within the framework of general guidelines, as arrived at through policy discussions with superiors, conducts meetings with government counterparts in Uzbekistan regarding the design, development, and implementation of health activities in order to explain and resolve differences of opinion or approaches. 8) Acts as an official USAID representative in dialogue and coordination with Embassy officials and other international donors active in health area in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. 9) Plans site visits for, prepares briefing documents for, and briefs high level visitors such as Senators, Members of Congress, representatives from the State Department and USAID, on USAID's health activities in Uzbekistan. 10) Any other duties as required by the USAID/CAR/Tashkent Country Representative and/or the Health and Education Director. D) POSITION ELEMENTS: 1. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The USAID/CAR Uzbekistan USDH Program Officer/Country Office Director (or designee) will provide general supervision to this position. The Supervisory Health Officer (USAID/CAR Health and Education Office Director) or his/her designee will provide technical guidance as/when necessary. 2. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Foreign Affairs Manual, Automated Directives System, Contracting Information Bulletin (CIB), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), AIDAR, Mission Orders, Mission Notices and general guidance provided by the immediate supervisor. 3. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Given that the incumbent will handle most work independently and in accordance with established Federal and Agency regulations, policies and procedures, excellent (balanced) judgment are critical to the successful performance of the job. The incumbent will be expected to use initiative, exercise discretion, and patience in dealing with Mission and Country Office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations, and stakeholders to resolve problems that arise during the course of the work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution and where contact with the supervisor is not possible. 4. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit the U.S. Government Mission funds on behalf of USAID/CAR/Almaty or USAID/CAR Uzbekistan Country Program Office. 5. NATURE AND LEVEL OF CONTACTS: The incumbent works directly with central and local Government officials, NGOs, private sector and international donors, other USAID offices, USG agencies, U.S.-based international donors and partners. 6. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The incumbent will serve as the team leader for the health staff of the Uzbekistan Country Office. 7. TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE FULL RANGE OF DUTIES AFTER ENTRY INTO THE POSITION: The incumbent is expected to possess the necessary technical, administrative and management skills/abilities required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position upon arrival in Tashkent. D) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA 1. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: (30 points) Have a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience working in international public health in developing or transition countries. At least three of the five years prior work experience will have been with a U.S. Government Agency, other international donor organization(s) and/or USAID-funded Contractor or Grantee in the design, implementation, administration and management of national and/or regional health activities/programs including experience in health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, hepatitis and/or sexually transmitted infections) and other USAID/CAR priorities. Preference is for such experience in the former Soviet Union. 2. KNOWLEDGE: (20 points) Knowledge of USAID procurement and program management procedures and regulations; working knowledge of public health issues and developments, as well as concepts, principles, techniques, and practices related to the administration of public health activities internationally. 3. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (20 points) This position requires a unique blend of qualities to include: demonstrated health expertise including at least 3 years experience and demonstrated competency in the design, implementation, management and evaluation of public health programs in developing or transition countries. The incumbent must have the background and skills to assess, monitor and manage activities in such diverse areas as health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, hepatitis, and or sexually transmitted infections) and other USAID/CAR health priorities. The incumbent requires leadership skills and exceptional communications and interpersonal skills; an ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; integrity; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances. The ability to manage multiple activities under extreme time constraints to independently carry out institutional and program assessments, develop policy recommendations, and direct technical analyses is essential. The incumbent must be a self-starter - able to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure as a team member in a culturally diverse team environment. In addition, the ability to be responsive to clients needs and to adapt to the existing management team by being a good listener, a team builder, and an articulate advocate of the Regional Mission's Health Strategic Objective and Goals is required. Command of software programs for e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics presentations is required. 4. LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: (20 points) Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required and Level 3 (Good Working Knowledge) in both speaking and comprehension of Russian or Uzbek is desirable. Given the level of responsibility associated with this position, communication skills, both written and oral must be exceptional. The incumbent is required to: 1) prepare specific status/progress reports and documents requiring limited editorial changes prior to distribution; and 2) prepare and present oral briefings. Exceptional interpersonal skills and diplomacy are required to maintain excellent working relationships with all Mission personnel, internal/external contacts, counterparts, shareholders, and clients. A proven ability to develop and maintain professional relations with the most senior-ranking Central Asia stakeholders (i.e., local international donor representatives, heads of national, state and local health departments, NGO representatives, and other key stakeholders and partners) is required. 5. EDUCATION: (10 points) An advanced degree in public health or related field. E) OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition, the incumbent must also be: 1) a U.S. Citizen; 2) Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 3) Able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance at - SECRET level and to secure a medical clearance from StateMed to serve in Central Asia; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices throughout the Uzbekistan and Central Asia as/when requested. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) August 09, 2004. Applications which do not include explicit references, including their contact information, will not be considered. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Patrick Robinson Contracting Officer Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than August 20, 2004. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for two-year period (with option for extension up to five years subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance) from on or about September 19, 2004 to on or about September 17, 2006. The contract will be signed by September 3, 2004. On or about September 19, 2004, the incumbent shall proceed to Tashkent, Uzbekistan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Tashkent has a continental/high desert climate, characterized by cold winters (with snow in January and February) and hot summers. July and August temperatures can range from 95 to 110. For the most part summers are dry and dusty. November and December are usually cold and wet. Tashkent offers several Uzbek- and Russian- language drama, opera, and ballet theatres. There are a few museums to visit and shops with Uzbek arts and crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, carpets, embroideries, brass trays, and other handicrafts and antiques. Samarqand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other cities offer fascinating history with beautiful monuments and architecture. There are a growing number of quality restaurants with international cuisine. Tashkent offers sports and other recreational pursuits: tennis complexes, a golf club, a bowling club, several swimming pools, two simple horseback riding facilities, weekend hiking, winter skiing, and a water park complete with slides. There are many parks around town with children's rides, slides, and swings. Touring and camping are popular. The local mountains are very beautiful, stark and rugged. Travel agencies can organize bicycling, white water rafting, skiing, and hiking tours. The Tashkent International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. In addition, the Ulugbek International School offers classes K-12 in English and is based on the U.S. educational system. There are two half-day pre-schools in operation in Tashkent for children 2-6 years old.