Senior Strategic Information Advisor - Epidemiologist (Senior Advisor)

Description 1.Title: Senior Strategic Information Advisor - Epidemiologist (Senior Advisor) 2. Market Value: GS-14 - $90,621 - $117,810. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate past salary and work history, experience, and educational background of the successful candidate. Salaries over and above the top of the GS14 pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Post differential is currently at 30 percent. 3. Place of Performance: Kampala, Uganda 4. Period of Performance: Two year contract. 5. USAID/Uganda seeks to employ a U.S. (U.S. and Resident Aliens) offshore or resident in Uganda Personal Services Contractor to serve as Senior Strategic Information Advisor - Epidemiologist (Senior Advisor) to serves as a technical subject matter expert on PMELR and plays a key role in supporting cross-cutting activities with other SI Unit staff, other OHH team members, Implementing Partners (IPs), and other stakeholders. S/he advises the Mission and other stakeholders, including the MoH and health development donors, on best practices and participates in relevant sector-wide technical working groups. S/he serves a critical role in providing mentoring and guidance to the SI Unit, OHH staff, IPs and other stakeholders to build their capacity in the use of strategic information. 6. Education: Master's Degree with a relevant discipline such as epidemiology, public health informatics, demography, statistics or other field related to strategic information in international development and/or public health. 7. Prior Work Experience: At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience gathering, synthesizing, analyzing and managing strategic information to facilitate evidence-based activities. At least five (5) of those years --must include experience related to epidemiological programs. --of progressively responsible experience providing effective strategic information and/or monitoring and evaluation oversight and senior-level advisory services to international development activities, including those involving proactive decision making on financial and human resources by cooperating partners and contractors. 8. Technical Skills and Abilities: Strong ability to analyze and interpret data from an array of sources and translate into analyses, graphics and reports that are easily understood by audiences of varying SI technical ability. Skill in applying data analysis and research findings to conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. Strong qualitative and quantitative data collection and analytical skills, and advanced data visualization and presentation skills. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of state of the art approaches to strengthen strategic information and monitoring and evaluation systems, both in the public and private sector. Skills in health and/or PEPFAR program monitoring, evaluation, health informatics, reporting and data management, information systems and implementation science/operations research. Skills in epidemiology and/or familiarity with methodologies for conducting epidemiological investigations, surveillance and descriptive or analytical studies. 9. Team Work and Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior managerial and technical USAID or USG or NGO counterparts, host-country counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders. Proven ability to effectively mentor, train, and build local capacity related to strategic information, monitoring and evaluation. Ability to perform quality assurance reviews of work products, to ensure the accuracy of data and the strength and usefulness of their analyses. Ability to work effectively and collegially with a broad range of USG personnel and partners, and to coordinate and collaborate with donors, IPs, GoU and other external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and consensus building among large and diverse teams for complex projects. Ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-cultural team environment to achieve overall goals and objectives. Ability to work effectively in a team environment as a team member, leader, or supervisor. Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage politically and culturally sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner and consider divergent viewpoints on policy, project, research, and administrative matters. 10. Language, communications and computer skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills: Must be fluent in English (FSI Level 4) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to facilitate meetings and make logical and persuasive oral presentations to senior officials, USG and implementing partners and other stakeholders in a multi-cultural context. Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas concisely and persuasively. Demonstrated ability to effectively draft technical papers, reports, strategic program designs or other written documents. Ability to communicate technical information to technical and nontechnical audiences. Excellent computer and software skills, including ability to manage large amounts of data in excel, databases, and other commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom programs related to SI and epidemiology. 11. The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. Offers will be initially screened for compliance with application instructions and eligibility in accordance with the qualification criteria above. Incomplete, unsigned applications that are not in compliance with the instructions will not be evaluated or considered for award. Offerors must address each criterion in their application in order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Evaluation Criteria: Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) - Candidates must address and will be scored and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES (35 points in total): Strong ability to analyze and interpret data from an array of sources and translate into analyses, graphics and reports that are easily understood by audiences of varying SI technical ability. Skill in applying data analysis and research findings to conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. Strong qualitative and quantitative data collection and analytical skills, and advanced data visualization and presentation skills. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of state of the art approaches to strengthen strategic information and monitoring and evaluation systems, both in the public and private sector. Skills in health and/or PEPFAR program monitoring, evaluation, health informatics, reporting and data management, information systems and implementation science/operations research. Skills in epidemiology and/or familiarity with methodologies for conducting epidemiological investigations, surveillance and descriptive or analytical studies. 2. TEAMWORK AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS (30 points in total): Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior managerial and technical USAID or USG or NGO counterparts, host-country counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders. Proven ability to effectively mentor, train, and build local capacity related to strategic information, monitoring and evaluation. Ability to perform quality assurance reviews of work products, to ensure the accuracy of data and the strength and usefulness of their analyses. Ability to work effectively and collegially with a broad range of USG personnel and partners, and to coordinate and collaborate with donors, IPs, GoU and other external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and consensus building among large and diverse teams for complex projects. Ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-cultural team environment to achieve overall goals and objectives. Ability to work effectively in a team environment as a team member, leader, or supervisor. Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage politically and culturally sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner and consider divergent viewpoints on policy, project, research, and administrative matters. 3. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE (25 points in total): At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience gathering, synthesizing, analyzing and managing strategic information to facilitate evidence-based activities. At least five (5) of those years --must include experience related to epidemiological programs. --of progressively responsible experience providing effective strategic information and/or monitoring and evaluation oversight and senior-level advisory services to international development activities, including those involving proactive decision making on financial and human resources by cooperating partners and contractors. 4. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, AND COMPUTER SKILLS (10 points in total): Strong written and verbal communication skills: Must be fluent in English (FSI Level 4) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to facilitate meetings and make logical and persuasive oral presentations to senior officials, USG and implementing partners and other stakeholders in a multi-cultural context. Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas concisely and persuasively. Demonstrated ability to effectively draft technical papers, reports, strategic program designs or other written documents. Ability to communicate technical information to technical and nontechnical audiences. Excellent computer and software skills, including ability to manage large amounts of data in excel, databases, and other commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom programs related to SI and epidemiology. 5. Education (Pass/Fail) Applicants without a relevant degree will not be considered for award or proceed forward in the evaluation process -- -- Master's Degree with a relevant discipline such as epidemiology, public health informatics, demography, statistics or other field related to strategic information in international development and/or public health. 12. Notice to Applicants: USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks will be conducted on those Offerors selected for an interview. 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit: A. A hand signed offer form AID 309-2, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals," available at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms; B. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying; C. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically which MUST include: (i) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year) and hours worked per week for each position; -- Dates (month/year) and locations for all international field experience must also be detailed; -- Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), location, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (ii) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (iii) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (iv) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. D. Supplemental [separate] document specifically addressing each QRF as outlined in the solicitation. E. United States (U.S.) citizens and Resident Alien (currently resident in Uganda) must attach a copy of a valid work permit. 2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted by email to gnakaddu@usaid.gov copy to cnatividad@usaid.gov. No other form of submission will be permitted (e.g. courier, fax or hand delivery). The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications may not be accepted. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission. USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails. The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted. 3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation. USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the Offeror's past performance, technical knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such information in its evaluation; USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection. Introduction: USAID/Uganda is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Personal Services Contractor (PSC) - Senior Strategic Information Advisor - Epidemiologist (Senior Advisor). MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Advisor will provide technical assistance to OHH and USAID, USG, IPs, MoH, and other collaborating partners in the development, coordination and evaluation of health management information systems that encompass a variety of data components beyond epidemiology and service utilization statistics. The incumbent will provide leadership on the harmonization and alignment of USAID's project-supported information systems/databases with the MoH's health information systems. The Senior Advisor is responsible for providing technical direction and expertise to the SI Unit, including coaching & mentoring the other SI Unit members to build their skills and in performing quality assurance reviews of their work products to ensure the accuracy of data and strength usefulness of their analyses. S/he is actively involved in the planning, design, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of OHH awards and plays a critical role in coordination of all components of strategic information under the OHH portfolio, such as analysis of progress and project design for inclusion in the annual Country Operational Plan (COP), Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), PEPFAR Oversight and Accountability Review Team (POART) reviews, and other reporting documents and processes. The Senior Advisor maintains highly collaborative interagency relationships, and ensures that data generated by program monitoring and other strategic information systems are of high quality and used for program planning, policy development, advocacy, and program evaluation. The incumbent represents USAID within multiple technical working groups, and maintains collaborative working relationships with government officials, donors, USG agencies and non-governmental organizations. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Leadership and Expertise (50%) Provide technical leadership and expertise in strategic information and epidemiology for the development and implementation of programmatic interventions, program monitoring, operational research, data analysis and use, surveillance, and health informatics to OHH, USAID, the broader USG, IPs, and host country stakeholders. Lead the development of evaluation plans, develop evaluation statements of work (SOWs) and coordinate the implementation of evaluations. Develop and implement qualitative and quantitative studies, surveys, and surveillance activities. Work with SI leads to ensure that evaluation findings and performance data are integrated into Missions decision-making. Make recommendations to facilitate incorporation of evidenced-based epidemiological data into OHH activities. Provide technical guidance to OHH, IPs and other stakeholders for developing appropriate indicators and establishing baselines in the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating of OHH program activities to track and measure the accomplishment of project objectives. Develop and train OHH staff in the use of appropriate data management systems to measure and track progress made toward achieving targets based on required indicators. Advise on and design enhancements to data collection and program monitoring tools and systems. Synthesize trends at the regional/national levels and incorporate learning from all analyses into current and future programming and share extensively across all stakeholders. Guide the SI Unit in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data from various sources including SIMS, DATIM, DHIS2, PROMIS, OVC MIS, and facility and partner-level data. Guide the SI Unit in the development and presentation of user-friendly reports and dashboards for use in evidence based decision making, COP planning, enhancing program monitoring and oversight, service delivery quality improvement, and enhancing program performance. Develop guidance and frameworks for local procedures, policies and processes that will institutionalize and support capacity development for high quality design, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Facilitate knowledge management through exchange of technical information and ideas, to foster collaboration on cross cutting issues, and to promote effective collaboration and program/project synergies. Keep abreast of current public health literature, reports, international guidelines and standards, and best practices in public health SI. Program Performance Management (35%) Serve as principal advisor to OHH Contracting/Agreement Officer's Representatives (C/AORs) on the planning, implementation, management, monitoring, results reporting, advocacy and performance improvement of USAID's SI activities. Serve as a C/AOR, alternate C/AOR, or activity manager for awards that focus on performance of SI-related activities and provision of SI-related technical assistance. As C/AOR, or activity manager, the Senior Advisor will ensure suitable monitoring and reporting systems are in place, provide technical input in the development of Performance Monitoring Plans; review, approve, and ensure compliance with IPs' annual work plans and budgets; monitor expenditures and pipelines; process appropriate and timely funding actions in GLAAS and in coordination with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance and the Office of Financial Management; conduct regular site visits to monitor activities and verify asset use; guide IPs to adhere to USAID and USG policies and procedures; review all written reports submitted by IPs and furnish feedback; and maintain project activity files. Guide OHH C/AORs to ensure suitable monitoring and reporting systems are in place; provide technical input in the development of Performance Monitoring Plans; provide significant guidance to the design and implementation of the SI and monitoring, evaluation and learning components of health projects and activities. Ensure that SI and monitoring, evaluation and learning components of all OHH program activities are implemented in compliance with relevant USAID, USG, PEPFAR and PMI guidelines, policies, regulations and procedures. In partnership with relevant C/AORs and Activity Managers, provide monitoring and evaluation of overall OHH implementing partner performance against established benchmarks and targets. Analyze portfolio/program-level results across a range of dimensions and variables for the USAID Health Office and other relevant stakeholders. Provide vision and leadership to OHH team, assuring linkages and coordination among USAID/Uganda technical offices and with USG interagency-supported health activities. Contribute to the development of agency operational plans, including the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan, quarterly POARTs, CDCS and Operational Plan. Respond to SI-related "taskers" and other ad hoc and recurring reporting requirements from within the Mission, USAID/Washington, PEPFAR, Congress, and/or others. Mentor and train staff to further build and deepen technical SI skills and leadership capabilities. Deepen the SI Unit's skills in graphic presentation of data ('data visualization') as well as the team's skills in preparing analyses responsive to the information needs of an array of internal and external stakeholders. Vet analyses and work products of the SI Unit for data accuracy and soundness of data interpretation. Internal and External Representation and Reporting (15%) Develop good working relations and ongoing SI-related technical exchange with relevant internal and external stakeholders to contribute to a broader strategic information learning community. Participate as a senior Mission representative in national-level technical, programmatic, and policy meetings, and in consultations with other health development partners, donors, government officials, and implementing partners (IPs). Represent USAID, and the USG as appropriate, in relevant host government, USG interagency, and other health development partner working groups and in technical discussions on issues related to strategic information programming. Attend regional and international meetings, as appropriate, such as conferences on SI, epidemiology and other relevant topics. Organize and share epidemiological and programmatic data, analyses, and tools with USG partners and other international organizations. Develop and deliver scientific presentations, reference materials, and speeches, as requested, on epidemiology and SI-related subjects for informational, advocacy, and coordination purposes. Work closely with host government counterparts, bilateral and multilateral agencies and other key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration of strategic information activities throughout Uganda to build capacity and enhance the long-term sustainability of strategic information program activities. Supervision: The Advisor works under the general supervision of the SI Unit Lead, may be assigned to supervise up to two FSN staff and be responsible for oversight of several institutional contractors supporting the SI Unit. The details solicitation document is attached. For any question, please send email to gnakaddu@usaid.gov.