A -- Public Health Management Specialist

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 13/20042. ISSUANCE DATE: 04/30/2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 05/21/2004 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST 5. MARKET VALUE: $74,335 - $96, 637 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Program Description The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia has responsibility for the development and management of the U.S. Government's assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. This program is directed at supporting a program of policy reform, economic recovery, democratic and social transition in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Within the USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia the Office of Health and Education (HE) has the primary responsibility for management of assistance in the social sectors, primarily health reform, prevention and control of infectious diseases, maternal and child health and reproductive health (MCH/RH), humanitarian and disaster assistance. USAID/HE serves as the primary point of communication on these sectors with the governments of the five Central Asian Republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan); five U.S. Embassies in Central Asia; non-governmental organizations (indigenous, U. S., international); other donors and private commercial entities. USAID is funding activities in public health care reform (which includes health financing and systems reform); infectious disease prevention and control (TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria); reproductive health and maternal and child health; and US health partnerships. The governments of Central Asian Republics, especially Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are receiving USAID assistance in developing more effective health systems and policies. USAID/CAR's strategic objective in health is: Increased utilization of quality primary health care in selected populations. This objective is achieved through four intermediate results: (1) select populations are better informed about personal health care rights and responsibilities; (2) improved quality of health care including infectious diseases and maternal and child health; (3) improved use of health care resources for primary health care and (4) improved legislative, regulatory and policy framework. A major challenge in the region is to a) restructure the public health sector to focus on primary health care; b) strengthen the role of the private sector in providing health services as the public sector can no longer provide all health services to all the people, as was done under the Soviet system; b) reduce the burden of disease caused by infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, acute respiratory infection, diarrheal diseases, hepatitis, etc. In addition, these countries have high mortality and morbidity caused by diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer and other lifestyle related diseases which are observed in more developed countries. B) STATEMENT OF DUTIES OBJECTIVE Under the general supervision of the Office Director, Office of Health and Education, the Contractor will serve as USAID/CAR's Regional Public Health Management Specialist for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The Contractor will provide USAID/CAR with technical and analytical support in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the health activities that will strengthen the capacity of the CAR governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop and sustain effective health policies, systems and effective, efficient quality service delivery. The Contractor will play an active role as a team member of the Strategic Objective (S.O.) 3.2 Team. The contractor will act as the team leader for special initiatives (such as the maintenance of a Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the S.O.). As team leader for special initiatives, the Contractor will demonstrate a team work approach to achieving results. In carrying out the specific responsibilities, the Contractor will closely collaborate with other offices in the Mission and actively participate as a team member on other strategic teams which relate to the health sector. Specifically, the Contractor's responsibilities and duties shall include, but not be limited to the following: MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES 1. Serves as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for a set group of activities under the $130 million Health program, and manages the implementation of other specific USAID-supported health activities and contractors/grantees in the Central Asian Republics, as assigned. 2. Acts as principal liaison between the USAID offices, U.S. Embassies, CAR governments and other organizations, and USAID-funded Contractors/Grantees working in the region for projects within his/her portfolio. 3. Analyzes and evaluates the Mission's current levels and future needs for health programs in the various Central Asian Republics and participates in the development of strategies and action plans for the Health Sector. 4. Serves as designated Team leader in the maintenance of the Health's Strategic Objective #3.2 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan which covers all five Central Asia Republics health activities over a five-year period. In this capacity, the incumbent will be required to regularly update and add indicators for new activities. To develop and maintain the M&E Plan, the incumbent will work closely with all Health staff in Almaty, the four Country Offices and U.S.-based and other international S.O. contractors and grantees. 5. Identifies needs for new health interventions and for modifying existing ones, and participates in their development. 6. Participates in review of proposed Mission programs to determine feasibility, sustainability and that opportunities for health interventions have been fully considered and addressed. 7. Provides technical guidance and expertise in all areas of health with a focus on Primary Health Care to all categories of CAR Mission staff in the five Central Asian Republics. 8. Prepares and coordinates the execution through the Mission of project and funding documentation for USAID health activities in the Central Asia region. 9. Reviews incoming Health-specific documents covering the full-range of the HE Portfolio to include but not be limited to: 1) project financial and activity reports; 2) work plans; 3) project/activity proposals; and 4) Training Concepts and Requests. In addition, the incumbent will recommend changes where/when deemed appropriate or necessary to support USAID/CAR's overall Health Strategy. 10. Reviews proposals relating to health for the CAR region and advises Office of Health and Education and Mission senior management on appropriateness of funding in terms of USAID objectives and specific country program strategies. 11. Coordinates closely in the area of health (including maternal and child health/reproductive health) with other U.S., international and donor agencies, e.g., CDC, UNFPA, WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, and ADB. 12. Travels on a regular basis in all five Central Asian Republics to meet with local officials, USAID and U.S. Embassy personnel; and to monitor USAID-funded health activities. 13. As part of the Health and Education (HE) S.O. 3.2 (Increased Utilization of Quality Primary Health Care by Select populations) team, performs other supervisory, management and technical responsibilities as/when requested by the USDH Office Director and/or USDH Deputy Office Director. C) Supervision Received/Supervision Exercised The portfolio consists of five offices of USAID-funded contractors and grantees headquartered in Central Asia. Each has numerous short-term technical consultants providing services in the Central Asia region at any given time. The PSC is responsible for directly monitoring the assigned activities being funded by USAID in the health sector. The position is supervised by the USDH Supervisory General Development Officer (position grade at the FE level), who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID/CAR's Objectives and Goals, provides policy guidance and reviews work in terms of overall accomplishment of desired results. In addition, the incumbent will serve as backup to the USDH Supervisory General Development Officer and the USDH Deputy HE Office Director in times of their absence. In this capacity, incumbent will be expected to perform duties/responsibilities of the position up to incumbent's authorized level(s) of authority. D) Level of Contacts Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatus in five Central Asian Republics. Deputy Ministers in five Central Asia Republics. U.S. Ambassadors in five Central Asia Republics. Chiefs of Party of USAID health Contractors and Grantees. Senior executives at U.S. headquarters of USAID health Contractors and Grantees. U.S. PVOs and NGOs working on health. Host Country Officials in health sector assistance matters. International Donors concerned with the health sector. E) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION 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 Central Asian Republics and or countries of 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: (30 points) This position requires a unique blend of qualities to include: demonstrated health expertise including at least three (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. 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. 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 SKILLS: (10 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 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. 5. EDUCATION: (10 points) An advanced degree in public health or related field. Total: 100 points References are required. D) OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance. Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. 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) May 21, 2004. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.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, may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Patrick L. 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 June 14, 2004. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period from on or about August 1, 2004 to on or about July 31, 2006. The contract will be signed by June 30, 2004. On or about August 1, 2004, the incumbent shall proceed to Almaty, Kazakhstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 12. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 13. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12.