R -- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (PSC)

**The purpose of this amendment is to extend the closing date/time from September 20, 2007 at 4:00PM EST to September 30, 2007 at 4:00PM EST.** The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist position located in Lilongwe, Malawi. 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-09692 POSITION NUMBER: MI-PSC-01 ISSUANCE DATE: November 1, 2007 CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 30, 2007 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist MARKET VALUE: $49,550 to 85,350 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: Lilongwe, Malawi 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 Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will advise the CDC country director on all matters related to the measurement of CDC?s contribution toward achieving the Emergency Plan targets, translate M&E and other Strategic Information (SI) into improved Emergency Plan programming and delivery of services, strengthen systems of accountability for use of Emergency Plan resources, contribute to a single national monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system in Malawi and strengthen systems and capacity among partners to collect, manage, and use quality M&E data to inform program and policy in the national response to HIV and AIDS. The M&E Specialist position performs the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Assists with the coordination of strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programmatic activities of CDC/GAP, including the development of M&E plans and standardized program monitoring systems. The M&E Specialist will work closely with CDC staff across HIV/AIDS technical areas supported by CDC to ensure that data generated by the M&E systems are useful and used for program planning, policy development, advocacy, and program evaluation. 2. Ensures systems are in place at CDC and CDC?s implementing partners to effectively plan and monitor programs for EP requirements. In close collaboration with the USG HIV/AIDS Coordination Team (HCT), and in collaboration with the USG/Malawi Strategic Information Liaison, the M&E Specialist manages and coordinates M&E-related processes required for the development of the annual COP for CDC-funded partners and provides technical guidance on M&E needs of the EP in Malawi. The M&E Specialist will build implementing partner capacity to respond to planning and reporting requirements, review and assess the targets set by individual partners and ensure that they are ambitious, yet reasonable. The M&E Specialist will track the progress of results achieved by implementing partners against their targets and track overall progress in achieving the EP goals as outlined in the Malawi strategy and, when needed, recommending adapting targets to be consistent with appropriated budgets, country constraints, and new opportunities. 3. The M&E Specialist is responsible for the timely compilation and reporting of indicators for monitoring the progress of the Emergency Plan for CDC-funded partners. This requires the updating and dissemination of country M&E guidelines, standards, and manuals to partners and ensuring consistency with the latest Emergency Plan M&E guidelines. The M&E Specialist, in collaboration with the HCT team, will ensure that the Emergency Plan data and indicators meet benchmark data quality standards. S/he is the point of contact for auditors and program reviewers addressing reporting standards. Additionally, the M&E Specialist may be assigned responsibility as the primary point of contact for technical issues for selected CDC partners. In this role, he/she will provide technical oversight to activities and milestones agreed upon with the partners and the CDC management team. As the primary point of contact, the M&E Specialist will meet with the partners on a regular basis to review progress, and provide technical input to strengthening the implementation and coordination of partner activities. 4. The M&E Specialist works with CDC funded partners, including National AIDS Commission and Ministry of Health, to strengthen their M&E capacity. The M&E Specialist supports partners in their efforts to better plan and monitor programs using M&E and other strategic information. Assistance may include training or technical assistance in data collection, data management, analysis, data use and dissemination. The M&E Specialist will provide assistance to USG partners to enhance M&E systems through the use of innovative technologies. The Specialist will support CDC partners to better understand implications of M&E data and translate M&E findings into meaningful programs and practices. 5. The M&E Specialist will provide technical support to the ongoing implementation and enhancement of the National HIV/AIDS M&E System, including harmonization of national indicators, data sources, and reporting systems to assess progress and report on HIV/AIDS programs in Malawi. The M&E Specialist will also be supported to participate in key technical working groups (the Monitoring and Evaluation and Information Systems Technical Working Group at the National AIDS Commission and the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Technical Working Group at Ministry of Health) to ensure enhanced coordination, harmonization, and strengthening of M&E Systems. The M&E Specialist will work closely with Government of Malawi (GOM) officials responsible for monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programs. The M&E Specialist is expected to establish and maintain close relationship with all international development partner representatives and GOM officials working in these areas to ensure consistency and harmony of results reporting and to develop shared languages around issues of attribution. The M&E Specialist is also expected to participate in the collaboration and coordination of activities with other international partners present in country (e.g., World Health Organizations (WHO), UNAIDS, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM), and World Bank). Minimum Qualifications: 1. Familiarization with the overall goals and objectives of the CDC, the Global AIDS Program and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. 2. Demonstrable professional experience with monitoring and evaluation or a related field of data collection and dissemination (e.g., surveillance). 3. A master's degree in a related field (e.g., public health, development) is required. This educational requirement may be reduced to a bachelor's degree in a related field for candidates possessing at least five years of senior level professional experience in monitoring and evaluation and surveillance. 4. Candidates meeting the minimum educational requirement must have at least 1 year of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation or other public health program management. 5. Level 5 fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. 6. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Desired Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of CDC and USG operations and regulations is beneficial. 2. A working knowledge of Malawi's geography and post-independence history. 3. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS) is desired but not required. 4. Knowledge of MOH strategies, guidelines and procedures for HIV programs. 5. Experience working on M&E with one or more international agency systems in Africa, preferably with USG or UN agencies. 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://www.state.gov/m/a/als/4311.htm. 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 Post Reports available at the following Internet URL: http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp 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 terminated under General Provision 16 of this contract. 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. 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 submit the attached Benefit Eligibility Form with the application. 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, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2008-N-09692 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at contact@example.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 Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist 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: