R -- Systems Strengthening Advisor PSC

Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Systems Strengthening Advisor position located in Kigali, Rwanda. 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-10221 POSITION NUMBER: RW-PSC-04 ISSUANCE DATE: January 24, 2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: February 15, 2008 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Systems Strengthening Advisor MARKET VALUE: $65,225 to $103,935 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: Kigali, Rwanda 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 Systems Strengthening / Policy Officer is part of the PEPFAR Rwanda USG Sustainability Team and basic functions include the following: -Provides technical advice to the Ministry of Health and other GOR institutions on integrated and cost effective health policies related to health finance, human capacity development, and training. -Assists the GOR in coordination/consolidation of training activities, refresher courses and evaluation of training quality to support HIV and other health programs -Serves as a liaison to and technical expert with private sector and the donor community to ensure optimal use of resources and complementarity of program activities and strategies. The duties for the position of Systems Strengthening Advisor at CDC Rwanda include: 1- Works in close collaboration with various units of the Ministry of Health involved in the provision of services for HIV affected and/or infected adults and children to identify, develop, update, finalize and/or disseminate necessary HIV program policies and guidelines, training materials and job aids. Examples of this will be to develop, coordinate and carry out a work plan to produce and disseminate National Provider Initiated Testing Guidelines and Implementation Plan for adults and children. 2- Works in close collaboration with the USG and GoR colleagues to support/coordinate HIV-related training activities developed to facilitate program implementation at provincial, district and facility level. Additionally, works with the GoR to develop a plan for re-fresher training for all HIV program areas, and develop criteria for selection of cadres of health care providers to be targeted for each training activity. Develops a program to evaluate quality of training activities in collaboration with the MOH. 3- Works with the MOH and USG Team to identify areas in need of support within the healthcare sector to complement and expand HIV-related activities in all levels of the health sector in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to HIV services delivery. 4- Function as a liaison between the USG EP and the donor community in Rwanda to ensure complementarity of activities supported to maximize resource utilization and provide a comprehensive package of services at central, district, facility and community levels. 5- Works closely with USG, GoR and implementing partners in Rwanda to develop strategies to address program gaps. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Basic knowledge of CDC, its public health, disease prevention and control practices and activities. 2. Thorough technical familiarity and knowledge of the national public health system and current international standards for counselling, testing and prevention. 3. Practical and theoretical knowledge of how to conduct public health programs. 4. Masters Level Degree in an area related to international health development; 5. Minimum 5 years experience in international settings. 6. Level IV: Fluency in speaking, reading, writing and understanding of English required. 7. Professional competence in MS office, database management, statistical packages, email and graphics Desired Qualifications: 1. Background in health sector development and coordination is desired. 2. Professional knowledge and understanding of the principles of organizational management, and program evaluation strategies to be employed. 3. Possess the knowledge of, techniques, principles, methods, and data analysis related to epidemiology. 4. Prior training in work in Rwanda. 5. Fluency in French. 6. Excellent people?s skills. 7. Significant direct experience working for one or more of the United States government agencies responsible for implementing PEPFAR. 8. Experience working in a developing country. 9. Prior training in work in Rwanda. 10. Knowledge of how different US Government agencies and CDC Rwanda work together to meet the President?s goals and objectives. 11. Knowledge of how the CDC Rwanda program is operated, areas supported and how these areas can be tailored to fit local need. 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: Zalerie Moore, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2008-N-10221 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of Zalerie Moore 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 Systems Strengthening 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: