R -- Senior HIV/AIDS Pediatric Program Specialist

Senior HIV/AIDS Pediatric Program SpecialistUSAID/Ethiopia 1. SOLICITATION No: 663-07-003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Noon (East Africa Time), September 28, 2007 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior HIV/AIDS Pediatric Program Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14($79,115 - $102,848) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Ethiopia-Addis Ababa 8. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Incumbent is expected to act with a high degree of independence under minimal supervision. 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Third Country Nationals. A. Background USAID/Ethiopia, under the President?s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), seeks the Pediatric Care and Treatment Program Specialist to serve as Senior Program Specialist for HIV/AIDS. The successful candidate will act as the programmatic lead in HIV/AIDS pediatrics technical area: In addition s/he will be responsible for various other administrative, fiscal and management functions related to their area of focus. The applicant will be responsible for coordinating technical and policy related issues with Federal and Regional Government Ministries, the USG interagency PEPFAR team, other donors, and non-governmental organizations working in the area of HIV/AIDS. Aspects of these positions are cross-cutting and the incumbent?s duties may be modified or expanded based on the overall needs of USAID?s HIV/AIDS portfolio. The PEPFAR Initiative is the largest commitment given by a nation toward an international health initiative for a single disease. It is a five-year, $15 billion, multifaceted approach to combating the disease in more than 100 countries around the world. The strategy places an intensified approach on 15 focus countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Asia that represent approximately half the world?s infections. The goal of PEPFAR is to treat 2 million HIV-infected individuals, prevent 7 million new infections and to provide care and support for 10 million HIV-infected individuals and orphans. In Ethiopia, PEPFAR is implemented by five U.S. government agencies: the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), the Department of Defense (DOD), and Peace Corps. Ethiopia is the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa, with a 2005 population estimated at 78 million people from 83 ethnic groups and languages, in an area almost twice the size of Texas. There are nine ethnically based regions and two special administrative areas, one of which is the capital, Addis Ababa. Approximately 4% of the population lives in Addis Ababa and another 11% in scores of much smaller urban areas throughout the country. Approximately 85% of the population lives in rural areas. Religion plays a major role in the lives of most Ethiopians: approximately 40%-45% of the population adheres to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; approximately 45% of the population is Muslim; and Evangelical and Pentecostal Protestantism constitute more than 10% of the population. To date there is remarkable religious tolerance and harmony. The national adult HIV sero-prevalence for 2005 is estimated at 1.4%, with a 5.5 % urban rate and a 0.7% rural rate based on the recently conducted Demographic Health Survey. HIV in Ethiopia continues to be primarily urban, with wide variation in rural areas. The rural epidemic is heterogeneous with hotspots. To reach Emergency Plan targets in such a large country with such low prevalence, increased efforts must be made to identify those at high risk, including children, and ensure that they are counseled and tested so that quality HIV support services can be given at early stages. In addition, PEPFAR/Ethiopia is a food focus country and the nutrition and food security emphasis of its portfolio is expanding. As such, efforts are underway to increase the linkages between nutrition and HIV/AIDS treatment and care support services, a necessary intervention to maintain the nutritional status of HIV positive adults and children in order to enable them to adhere to treatment and live productive lives. B. Duties and Responsibilities The Pediatric Care and Treatment Program Specialist will provide leadership and technical oversight to PEPFAR Ethiopia in the implementation of pediatric HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment programs. The Program Specialist will advise PEPFAR in the areas of contact tracing, follow-in linkages with OVC programming, clinical care and community-based services, among other issues. Further, the Program Specialist will serve as the focal person for providing oversight in the scale-up of pediatric treatment and care services, and collaborate with the Global Fund, Clinton Foundation, World Bank and other donors to support the GOE?s pediatric program. The Program Specialist will also be a lead participant in the facilitation of relevant networks and partnerships, and work with the GOE to ensure best practices on pediatric ART are utilized by PEPFAR implementing partners. The Program Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that clinical support referral systems are established and maintained between HIV/AIDS programs, including PMTCT, CT, care and treatment services, and community support programs. S/he will be responsible for assisting the Team achieve its PEPFAR targets and Intermediate Results. The Pediatric Care and Treatment Program Specialist will be directly supervised by an HIV/AIDS Advisor within the incumbent technical area. S/he will serve as a Cognizant Technical Officer for the HIV/AIDS portfolio, and provide assistance in the areas of technical support, planning, design, implementation, management and evaluation for the activities they manage. S/he will also be responsible for preparing components of the annual Country Operational Plan relevant to the technical area, as well as ensuring that the HIV/AIDS Team achieves its Strategic Objective and Intermediate Results. The Pediatric Care and Treatment Program Specialist will facilitate communication and maintain collaborative working relationships with mid- to senior-level officials at the Ministries of Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Education, and Women?s Affairs; the HIV/AIDS Planning and Control Offices; and other government and non-governmental agencies, particularly those within each incumbent?s technical area. 1) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, COORDINATION AND ADVISORY FUNCTIONS (70%) The HIV/AIDS Program Specialists will serve as Technical Advisors for the implementation of USAID HIV/AIDS activities in Ethiopia. Each will monitor program progress, identify implementation achievements and performance problems, and initiate appropriate actions in consultation with the HIV/AIDS Advisors and HIV/AIDS Team Leader. Specific program management activities include the following: a) Serve as designated Cognizant Technical Officers (CTO, project manager) for selected activities after completion of CTO training and a period of on-the-job training. b) Conduct regular site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries. Based on the information collected during field visits, communicate findings and recommendations to the HIV/AIDS Team and, as appropriate, implementing partners and GOE counterparts. c) Serve on interagency and GOE technical working groups to further country-wide PEPFAR implementation plans. d) Be the point person for technical guidelines and guidance initiated by the GOE, the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, USAID Headquarters, and other donor agencies. e) Review performance reports to ensure that partner(s) are in compliance with bilateral government agreements, and with the performance expectations outlined in their work plan(s) and their agreement(s) with USAID. f) Ensure that implementing partners are in compliance with all relevant PEPFAR and USAID regulations and procedures. Each Program Specialist will communicate with partners regarding these rules and regulations, as well as their obligations to USAID. g) Provide technical input on the Country Operational Plan, new strategies, USAID and PEPFAR semi-annual and annual reports, work plans and other reporting documents. h) Prepare and/or coordinate thematic studies and technical evaluations on topics related to the assigned area of responsibility. i) Coordinate lessons learned dissemination with all HIV/AIDS partners. j) Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics and other available data, make programmatic recommendations to the SO team, especially on issues related to their responsible technical area. k) Perform other duties as assigned. 2) SUPERVISION AND MONITORING (20%) a) Conduct site visits to the field on a regular basis, and organize TA visits from Washington as needed. Recommend adjustments to program activities as appropriate. b) Work closely with USAID partners to ensure that program achievements and lessons learned are disseminated to sector representatives. Maintain an up-to-date summary of all program technical and geographic areas. c) Assist the Strategic Information Advisor with updating the Performance Strategic Plans, Country Operational Plans and other pertinent documents. Verify the quality, tracking and synthesis of HIV/AIDS performance indicators, in particular those provided through the incumbent?s focal area. Ensure all routine and ad hoc reporting requirements reflect fully PEPFAR indicators and targets. d) Prepare selected sections of the Country Operational Plan and the semi-annual and annual reports. e) Help optimize the impact of the Mission's resources by facilitating cross-sectoral programming with other USAID Ethiopia offices and sections, including education, agriculture, food security, and democracy and governance. f) Monitor the appropriate use of USG HIV/AIDS funds. g) Maintain detailed and updated project management files for each activity. h) Perform other duties as assigned. 3) PROJECT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (10%) a) Provide financial management of assigned activities, including ensuring that obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to action plans. Ensure appropriate and timely incremental funding of activities. b) Ensure that program activities are in compliance with USAID financial regulations. Report any financial discrepancies to the HIV/AIDS Team Leader, the HAPN Office Chief and Financial Management Specialist. Keep the Mission Controller and Financial Management Specialist informed of the liquidation of advances. Review and provide administrative approval for assigned activities. c) Ensure compliance with Non-Federal Audits (NFAS) and closure of open recommendations. Maintain a monthly project financial management tracking system. C. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. EDUCATION: At least Master?s degree in medical or related to public health and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and/or treatment services is required. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted. 2. WORK EXPERIENCE: At least three years of progressively responsible experience in HIV/AIDS-related activities, including monitoring and evaluation. 3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS program design, implementation and evaluation is required. Also required is an in-depth understanding of and familiarity with HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services, the Ethiopian government's national health and HIV/AIDS-related policies, the Ethiopian health care system, and the health-related programs of other donors. The incumbents should have the ability to establish and maintain contacts with a wide-range of government officials, implementing partners, and site-level providers engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services. The incumbent also should be able to obtain and rapidly analyze information, evaluate data, and prepare reports and related documents. S/he must be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English and Amharic (another major national language is desirable), and participate in discussions and meetings effectively. The selected candidate must be capable of producing high-quality work, often under time pressure and in complex situations. Excellent computer skills with proficiency in word processing and Excel are required. D. Position Elements Supervision Received: The Pediatric Care and Treatment Program Specialist will work under the direct supervision of an HIV/AIDS Advisor with expertise in his/her focal area; the HIV/AIDS Team Leader will supervise the Program Specialist in the absence of the Advisor. The Program Specialist should require little supervision in carrying out routine responsibilities, and only general guidance for most tasks. The scope and flexibility of the duties will demand a great deal of initiative to identify and test innovative approaches and solutions to complex situations, and the ability to work independently. Available Guidelines: General guidance for program initiatives can be found in the Mission Strategic Plan, Annual Reports, and USAID briefing papers. For project information, guidelines can be found in the Strategic Objective Agreements, Implementation Letters, quarterly reports and formal evaluations. Exercise of Judgment: P Exercise of judgement will be very important in this position, which involves working with institutions in areas of political and social sensitivity. The incumbent must have a clear understanding of American and Ethiopian values concerning the implementation of public health programs, health seeking behaviours, and GOE health priorities. The success of the HAPN program depends on an understanding of these sensitivities and the development of a flexible approach to dealing with potential implementation problems. In addition, good judgement will be necessary in assessing progress in meeting performance criteria, providing technical assistance, finding solutions to complex situations, and making the appropriate recommendations to facilitate progress towards program goals. Authority to Make Commitments: Yes, for health services procured but not for obligation of funds. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Senior level contacts with officials of the Government of Ethiopia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Embassy, and other donor organizations in the health sector, USAID/Washington personnel, partners, implementers, and institutional contractors. Supervision Exercised: The Team Leader for Health, will supervise one U.S. Personal Services Contractor, one FSN Deputy Team Leader, five FSN technical and program staff, and provide technical supervision for an additional three people in the HAPN office. The Team Leader will work closely with the Team Leaders for HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Education. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first six months of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. E. Medical and Security Clearance The selected applicant must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance for Ethiopia. TCN candidates must be able to obtain a Security certification for employment. F. Benefits: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.] G. BENEFITS: o FICA Contribution o Contribution toward Health & life insurance o Pay Comparability Adjustment o Eligibility for Worker's Compensation o Annual & Sick Leave o Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy (not applicable to TCN candidates) H. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Education Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Education Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). I. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ K. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. Applicant's detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Wondwossen Bekele, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Ethiopia wbekele@usaid.gov. To Ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date in item number three of this solicitation. Applications received after that date and/or time may not be considered. L. Points of Contact Wondwossen Bekele, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Ethiopia TELEPHONE: 251-11-551-0088 FAX: 251-11-551-0043 E-MAIL: wbekele@usaid.gov Bruce M. Brown, Deputy Executive Officer, USAID/Ethiopia TELEPHONE: 251-11-551-0088 FAX: 251-11-551-0043 E-MAIL: bbrown@usaid.gov