FETP Resident Advisor

Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for an FETP Resident Advisor position located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2008-N-10473 POSITION NUMBER: KZ-PSC-01 ISSUANCE DATE: July 8, 2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 23, 2008 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: FETP Resident Advisor MARKET VALUE: $67,260 to $107,180 per year -- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Base Year and Four Option Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Almaty, Kazakhstan SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: The primary objective is to serve as the lead scientific, technical, and programmatic regional Resident Advisor (hereafter referred to as Incumbent) for the Central Asia Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), with particular emphasis on development self-sustaining national field epidemiology training programs that respond to national and regional health priorities. This work, to build public health capacity, is performed in close collaboration with national FETP directors, their respective ministries of health in the Central Asia Region, academic partners, and international health organizations. Incumbent works closely to build public health capacity in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and program evaluation through training and coordination of activities with partner institutions and other stakeholders. Incumbent serves as CDC's FETP Resident Technical Advisor, providing advice and technical assistance impacting operations of the ministries of health (MOHs) in the Central Asia Region - comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan - on developing ongoing, long-term collaborations with partner institutions to facilitate infrastructure development and to improve indigenous capacity to address public health and surveillance issues. Incumbent provides technical assistance in public health and safety activities and the direction, allocation of resources, development and administration of global program applied research, technical assistance and related activities that contribute to sound sector planning and effective field programs. Incumbent also provides high-level operational oversight of cooperative agreements and contracts pertaining to the Central Asia FETP, excusive of defining requirements and other inherently Government functions, as proscribed in FAR 7.5. Strategic Planning Incumbent develops and leads implementation of an overall regional strategic plan to promote and institutionalize self-sustaining national FETPs in the five countries of the Central Asia Region. Incumbent conceives, organizes, and provides expert consultation on public health program activities that support MOH and Republican Sanitary Epidemiological Stations (SES) priorities in the identification, investigation, documentation, and dissemination of information about existing and emerging health problems and in the development and implementation of an integrated disease prevention program, through a cadre of applied public health epidemiologists in the five Central Asian countries. Incumbent meets with ministers of health and other high-level governmental authorities to advocate, promote, and develop the political constituency for national FETPs by advising them on long-term plans for their FETP. Incumbent provides leadership, management training and mentorship to national FETP coordinators and tutors, to guide them in developing mature, self-sustaining programs. Incumbent provides leadership in developing justifications for resources to meet current needs as well as requests to fund new initiatives. Incumbent advises on program needs, anticipated problems, and recommended courses of action to achieve problem resolution. Technical Advice Incumbent serves as the technical advisor for the development and implementation of an overall integrated training plan in field epidemiology to build evidenced-based public health capacity, in coordination with other CDC consultants and MOHs in the five Central Asia Region countries. The plan incorporates a multi-tiered, accredited training program to serve applied epidemiology competencies at the local, district, and national levels. Incumbent must develop close relationships with and between MOHs, the Republican Sanitary Epidemiological Stations (SES) in the Central Asia Regional countries, academic partners, and professional organizations throughout the region. Incumbent provides technical advice to assure that curricular materials developed for field epidemiology serving the priorities of the region are of the highest quality. Program Implementation Incumbent leads implementation of a model Regional FETP by providing training, supervision, and guidance through implementation of periodic training modules for tutors. These modules focus on applied epidemiologic competencies which include, but are not limited to, disease surveillance, outbreak response, emergency preparedness, health communications, etc. Responsible for review and modification of curriculum and training materials developed for field epidemiology serving the priorities of the region with the MOHs to ensure they are of the highest quality; for the recruitment and selection of FETP trainees, including assisting the MOH to implement guidelines for selection and placement of FETP trainees and identification of appropriate assignments and supervision; for active support of trainees in the field; for the selection and training of FETP graduates as mentors for FETP trainees; for conducting periodic evaluations of the work conducted by FETP trainees; and, for conduct of classroom training in epidemiology, biostatistics, surveillance, communications, management and prevention effectiveness. Working with tutors, incumbent mentors FETP trainees on field assignments involving epidemic and disaster response, public health surveillance, and relevant epidemiologic assessment of endemic public health problems so as to develop self-sustaining institutionalized capacity to train public health workers in applied epidemiology while strengthening outbreak response and surveillance capacity at the regional, national, and local levels. Reviews all projects and work conducted by FETP trainees for scientific quality, such as in the write-up of scientific abstracts for publication. Program Coordination Incumbent coordinates a regional FETP headquarters office in close partnership with other CDC programs such as GAP, Avian Influenza Preparedness, and Emerging Infections Program, all within the CDC-Central Asia Regional field office. Incumbent coordinates the work of several medical epidemiologists, program assistants and administrative assistants. As an integral member of the CDC Global Disease Detection Center, incumbent provides direct expert advice to other CDC staff. Incumbent directly assists regional ministries of health in establishing policies and practices for the monitoring of surveillance and outbreak response activities and is a key leader in the response to major outbreaks and public health emergencies in the region. Regional Organization Liaison Incumbent serves as technical advisor and CDC liaison to regional technical and political organizations (e.g. MOHs, WHO, and UNICEF). Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum 1. Proficiency of the mission and goals of COGH and FETP. 2. Candidate should have at least five years experience managing and/or working with a Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), the Epidemiology Intelligence Services (EIS), or similar field epidemiology services. 3. Extensive experience in field epidemiology, adult education strategies, and coordinating international public health training. 4. Level IV/Fluent: English and Russian 5. Basic/Standard Word Processing 6. Epi Info and other statistical software 7. Ability to assist CDC HQ with administrative, budgetary, procurement, and travel issues; skills in diplomacy when working directly with MOH, SES, embassies and other international public health entities. 8. MPH or equivalent degree with extensive experience in field epidemiology practice and concepts and managing international public health training programs. Desired Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of CDC and USG operations and regulations. 2. Previous experience training Ministry of Health officials in epidemiological concepts in Kazakhstan or Central Asia. 3. Skills in diplomacy in dealing directly with MOHs, embassies and international public health entities. 4. Experience working with a broad spectrum of CDC programs pertaining to priority regional public health issues 5. Knowledge of health practices and infrastructure in Kazakhstan or Central Asia.region. 6. Comprehension of up-to-date medical practice and their relation to research concepts. 7. Knowledge and understanding of the 3-tiered pyramid model of the FETP. 8. Doctoral degree or equivalent education in medicine, epidemiology, or a public health field. 9. If possessing a doctoral degree in a medical filed other than public health, MPH or equivalent degree in a public health field also will be required. 10. Fours years of additional education/training or field epidemiology experience in public health. 11. Previous work experience in Kazakhstan or Central Asia. Benefits/Allowances: Overseas allowances and differentials similar to those available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be payable under this PSC, subject to eligibility. Actual benefits may vary from one candidate to the next and/or from one country of assignment to the next. A summary of the overseas allowances and differentials available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be found at the following Internet URL: http://aoprals.state.gov/ Specific benefit, allowance, and differential information will be provided in the "Offer of PSC Employment" letter sent to the successful applicant. Additionally, country specific information useful for U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be obtained from Department of State available at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10391.htm and Travel Warnings concerning certain countries, in many of which CDC conducts its international program activities, may be obtained at the following Internet URL: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Federal Taxes: Personal Service Contractors who are either United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (i.e., "green card" holders) of the United States are not exempt from payment of Federal Income and, in some cases State, income taxes on salaries earned abroad while working for the U.S. Government. CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (a) The contractor acknowledges that this contract is an important part of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program and agrees that his/her duties will be carried out in such a manner as to be fully commensurate with the responsibilities that this entails. (b) While in the Cooperating Country, the contractor is expected to show respect for the conventions, customs, and institutions of the Cooperating Country and not interfere in its political affairs. (c) If the contractor's conduct is not in accordance with paragraph (b) of this provision, the contract may be unilaterally terminated by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor recognizes the right of the U.S. Ambassador to direct his/her immediate removal from any country when, in the discretion of the Ambassador, the interests of the United States so require. (d) The Country Director is the chief representative of CDC in the Cooperating Country. In this capacity, he/she is responsible for the total CDC Program in the Cooperating Country including certain administrative responsibilities set forth in this contract and for advising CDC regarding the performance of the work under the contract and its effect on the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program. The contractor will be responsible for performing his/her duties in accordance with the statement of duties called for by the contract. However, he/she shall be under the general policy guidance of the Country Director, and shall keep the Country Director or his/her designated representative currently informed of the progress of the work under this contract. SOCIAL SECURITY, FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND FOREIGN EARNED INCOME (a) Since the contractor is an employee, F.I.C.A. contributions and U.S. Federal Income Tax withholding shall be deducted in accordance with regulations and rulings of the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, respectively. (b) As an employee, the contractor is not eligible for the 'foreign earned income' exclusion under the IRS Regulations (see 26 CFR 1.911- 3(c)(3)). INSURANCE (a) Worker's Compensation Benefits. The contractor shall be provided worker's compensation benefits in accordance with the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. (b) Health and Life Insurance. (1) The contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of the contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. (2) The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (3) Retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health or life insurance under their contracts. The Government will normally have already paid its contribution for the retiree unless the employee can prove to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that his/her health and life insurance does not provide or specifically excludes coverage overseas. In such case, the contractor would be eligible for contributions under paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) as appropriate. (4) Proof of health and life insurance coverage shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid. On assignments of less than one year, costs for health and life insurance shall be prorated and paid accordingly. (5) A contractor who is a spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse's Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for the contribution under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this provision. MEDEVAC INSURANCE (NON U.S. CITIZENS ONLY) Non U.S. citizens will not qualify for health unit access during the period of performance of the resultant contract and, if a contract is offered, will be responsible for obtaining required medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. CDC shall reimburse 100% of the cost of medevac insurance maintained by the contractor. CDC does not require that contractor obtains coverage from any one specific company. The contractor is responsible for and has the discretion to choose a provider. For information purposes only: The Department of State maintains a list of U.S. based providers on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html. CDC provides no endorsement, expressly or implied, of any emergency medical service provider. Contractors have full discretion to consider providers not provided in this list, but are expected to verify that the coverage they do obtain will adequately cover an evacuation due to a medical situation that arises in the location of contract performance. CDC shall approve a fair and reasonable amount for obtaining the required coverage as a direct cost to the contract. In order for CDC to reimburse the cost of medevac insurance, CDC shall require the contractor to furnish evidence of obtaining medevac insurance for the employee and all accompanying family members on U.S. Government travel orders and its cost, after issuance of an offer letter. INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS An individual serving under a CDC PSC may not perform "inherently governmental functions," which include: - Committing the U.S. Government (USG) to a specific course of action or performing services, which involve discretionary exercise of Government authority; - Exercising signatory authority on behalf of the USG; - Directing policy formulation or making policy decisions; - Approving program plans; - Officially representing the CDC (representation); - Controlling USG-owned property; - Acting as a cashier or sub-cashier; or, - Supervising Government FTE staff. An individual serving under a PSC may: - Provide advice or make recommendations to Government FTE staff; - Perform services (other then the prohibited services listed above) in support of program activities; - Direct projects or teams (as long as supervision of Government FTE staff is not involved); and, - Supervise other PSCs, Personal Services Agreement Employees (PSA), grantees or fellows. See FAR 7.5 for additional information regarding inherently Governmental Functions. How to Apply: A complete application shall consist of a completed Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information required in a OF 612, as well as references, current (or highest recent) salary documentation, and Benefit Eligibility Form. Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment: The Optional Form (OF) 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp. References: Each applicant shall submit three Professional references other than family members. Two references shall be from a current and previous supervisor. The following information is required: Name, Address, telephone Number, Title, and Email Address. Current (or Highest Recent) Salary Documentation: Each applicant shall submit supporting documentation that reflects their current or highest recent salary. Examples of such supporting documentation are the most recent earning statement, an official letter from current employer signed by the applicant's current supervisor or Human Resources Representative, or the applicant's most recent U.S. Federal tax return. Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. Benefit Eligibility Form: Each applicant shall complete and submit with the application, the Benefit Eligibility Form located at the end of this solicitation. Submission of Application: A complete application package (OF 612 or equivalent, references, salary documentation, and Benefits Eligibility Form) must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time identified above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: John Ebanks, Contracting Officer Solicitation 2008-N-10473 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at egz2@cdc.gov. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.208 regarding submission of late proposals: (http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2015_2.html#wp1125227). All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number identified above must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award of FETP Resident Advisor PSC. To determine best value, the following factors will be considered: 1. The extent an applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications based on information obtained through the application package and interviews. Note that interviews may or may not be conducted; therefore, the application package should clearly identify how well the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications of this position. Interviews, if conducted, may be either in-person or via telephone. 2. Information collected from reference checks. References will only be verified for those applicants determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. 3. Results of a cost assessment. The cost assessment will determine the total cost (salary plus benefits and allowances) of the applicant for the complete term of the contract (base period plus any option years). Basis for Award In determining best value, paramount consideration shall be given to technical merit (applicant qualifications and reference checks) rather than to cost. In cases where applicants are determined to be essentially equal, then cost may become the determining factor. BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR PSC CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION: A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), of Current Residence B. If Already Present in Country of Service, Reason for Current Presence There. N/A/ or reason for current presence in country, e.g., brought there by previous employer [provide name of employer, your status and job title, and whether housing and repatriation was included in employment package]; dependent of someone brought there by employer [provide name of employer and whether housing and repatriation is included in employment package], etc. C. Attach Copy of Front Page of Most Recent Passport, Showing Citizenship, Name, and Date and Place of Birth. See attached. D. Family Members Accompanying You to Location of Contract Performance: Spouse: Children Under Age 18 at Time of Arrival - How Many?: Please list name and date of birth of each E. Annual Education Travel for Children Up to Age 23 at Time of Your Arrival at Location of Contract Performance Who Are Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis Children Before 23rd Birthday at Time of Arrival Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis - How Many?: Please list name and date of birth and city and state (or country, if not in U.S.) of location of educational institution for each: