Strategic Advisor

Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Strategic Information Advisor position located in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). POSITION NUMBER: IV-PSC-03 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: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI (Non-Sensitive) 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. IMPORTANT NOTE ON THIS PSC ASSIGNMENT: PSCs assigned to Cote d'Ivoire currently receive 15% Danger Pay. Current guidance from the U.S. Department of State is that this is an Adults-Only post. This means that no dependents under age 18 are allowed to live at this post and no persons under age 18 are allowed to visit. Duties and Responsibilities: As a member of the PEPFAR Executive Team in Cote d'Ivoire (CI) and under the supervision of the PEPFAR HHS/CDC CI Country Director, the Strategic Information (incumbent) serves in a professional supervisory position involving oversight and direction of management and program with a primary focus on: ? Developing, strengthening and coordinating national SI capacity among PEPFAR-funded partner organizations through formulation and implementation of sound SI policies to facilitate optimal data collection, cleaning, storage, analysis, and management; developing and implementing training activities for appropriate staff of Cote d'Ivoire ministries to strengthen knowledge and skills in operations and management of large data systems; developing monitoring and evaluation capabilities; ? Overseeing the development of health information systems that are responsive to requests for programmatic evaluation and reporting. Incumbent provides expert scientific and technical strategic information support to the mission of the PEPFAR Executive Team, the PEPFAR CDC Country Office and USG partners. This position functions as a focal point for SI science, coordinating the development of SI service provision in support of PEPFAR and in collaboration with USG efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention, surveillance, treatment, and care programs. Incumbent assists and advises the Country Director on matters relating to overall SI systems development, analysis, planning, operational research, and all aspects of quality assurance to support USG priorities and objectives in Cote d'Ivoire. The incumbent also includes overall PEPFAR CI as well as project-specific strategic planning and management of the SI branch. Incumbent plays a critical role in enhancing the working relationships among members of the PEPFAR Executive Management Team, other relevant USG agency HQ staff (including Cognizant Technical Officers), national partners, including the Ministries of AIDS, Health and Education, and other governmental and non-governmental partners involved in the national fight against HIV/AIDS. The key aspects of this position are as follows: ? Supports the development and strengthening of national SI capacity, particularly for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of PEPFAR activities. Coordinates, collaborates and consults on scientific and technical issues with high-ranking officials within the relevant Cote D'Ivoire ministries (Health, AIDS Education), local and international public health agencies, and non-governmental organizations, on the development, implementation and conduct of effective SI systems and services. Conceives, develops implements and evaluates programs and services, directs local SI program activities and provides leadership in developing policy related to SI services and systems for HIV prevention, surveillance, treatment, and care. Collaborates with project and other technical USG staff to assure adequate technical advice and assistance in the development and processing of all SI systems required to support implementation of PEPFAR programs. This requires the SI Advisor to become very familiar with the PEPFAR core indicator set and with the systems that will generate the required data (e.g., AIDS Indicator Survey, HMIS and patient tracking forms, ANC Surveillance, facility surveys, databases, targeted evaluation methodologies, etc.) ? As the lead technical advisor on SI issues for the PEPFAR Executive Team, incumbent provides advice on SI technical assistance needs and other SI issues, challenges and opportunities. Performs professional work to develop the capabilities of governments, public health authorities, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to establish and conduct effective SI services. Incumbent serves as the CDC expert on matters relating to SI systems analysis and developmental planning, operational research, and all aspects of SI quality assurance. Because every individual needs reliable data for decision making, this position serves as the critical interface for PEPFAR Executive Team collaboration and support. ? Exercises broad supervision over branch professional and support staff. Plans and directs the selection of subordinate technical and clerical personnel, including orientation, training, and establishment of work standards, daily supervision and performance evaluation. Supervises five technical, scientific and support staff. ? Provides technical advice to SI team members in-country (including surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, health management information systems, informatics and other SI technical staff) to ensure that PEPFAR SI Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) requirements are met on a timely basis. Participates in all decisions related to the commitment of resources, including the allocation of personnel and funds, for projects related to SI technical assistance. ? Develops and maintains professional relationships with international, national, and local SI policy makers, universities and schools of public health and key personnel in appropriate informatics and other related organizations. As a recognized expert in the science and technology of SI, incumbent provides scientific advice and consultation in devising solutions to critical problems by developing approaches consistent with current best practices. Coordinates and collaborates with government and public health officials to identify and develop the infrastructure and other resources necessary to support local SI systems. Serves as a key member of the PEPFAR Executive Team to plan, develop, implement and evaluate project goals and objectives related to SI technical assistance. ? Consults on scientific training and education programs, and coordinates the development and delivery of SI training programs. Incumbent works in collaboration with peers including USG partners, relevant host nation ministries, and regional and international non-governmental organizations to identify, develop and conduct local and regional training. Evaluates training programs for appropriate content and recommends changes to assure accurate and current scientific information. Coordinates the development and distribution of strategic information-related educational materials and promotes the sharing of scientific information and assistance in the region. Writes reports, abstracts, articles, opinions, and makes oral presentations to disseminate operational research findings and to advocate for SI programs and services in the region. Minimum/Desired Qualifications: 1. Minimum of six years of progressively responsible work as a subject matter expert in a strategic information-related field (surveillance, epidemiology, informatics, biostatistics), including at least two years of supervision and management experience with responsibility for interacting with supervisors, subordinates and professional staff from other institutes or organizations. Broad perspective and thorough knowledge of the principles of public health programs and practice. 2. Education: M.D. or PhD in Biomedical Informatics or closely related field is required. 3. English and French language fluency at level 4 is required. 4. Incumbent must develop an understanding about PEPFAR, CI, including how different US Government agencies work together to meet the President's goals and objectives; and about CDC, including its mission, operational protocol, program goals, objectives, principles and priorities. Incumbent needs to understand how the program operates, areas supported and how these areas can be tailored to fit local need. 5. Possess the necessary technical training and skills required to perform the duties and responsibilities required of the position. Post-entry training will be focused primarily on PEPFAR and HHS/CDC established policies, procedures and regulations that govern specific activity management, including monitoring and program assessment/evaluation and procurement systems. Necessary post-entry training will be provided on-site or at Regional or Atlanta-based facilities. 6. Demonstrated ability to readily analyze, understand, and discuss new program design, management, and implementation approaches. Demonstrated ability to identify priority actions, generate and complete work plans within short time frames. 7. Must have strong oral and written skills, and ability to clearly communicate new program and technical concepts to technical and non-technical counterparts. Strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in achieving results with a wide range of program partners. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate cooperative working relationships with public health personnel of both the host government and NGOs to effectively implement SI technical services activities 8. Strong computer literacy and aptitude to rapidly acquire and apply additional skills in the use of computer software packages including word processing, spreadsheets, statistical packages, e-mail and graphics is required. Responsibilities: 1. Incumbent shares responsibility with the CDC Director for all major decisions regarding long-term strategic planning related to strategic information issues for PEPFAR CDC in Cote d'Ivoire. Incumbent assists high-ranking officials from multiple ministries (e.g., Health, AIDS and Education) in developing strategic planning approaches, human resource needs and documentation. 2. Incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for five technical staff in surveillance, informatics, monitoring and evaluation, and statistics 3. Incumbent will have responsibility for six SI based cooperative agreements. In this capacity, incumbent will work with six teams of 8-12 each as the principal advisor for the direction and implementation of the PEPFAR SI program in Cote d'Ivoire. These projects provide services to six prime partners and more than 100 staff throughout the country. 4. Incumbent provides technical oversight and guidance to contractors involved in PEPFAR SI activities to ensure that contract provisions are being followed. Incumbent also directs the work of short-term SI contractors (3-4 per year) and will manage all requests (including projecting needs far in advance for contract assistance) and contracts supporting the delivery of SI services. 5. Incumbent collaborates with host nation officials to assess need for and to develop, provide, and evaluate both formal classroom and informal (workshop, seminar) training for PEPFAR, national and local agency staff in data collection, management, analysis, quality assurance, and storage. 6. Incumbent serves as chair of the CDC/CI SI Technical Working Group. As such, has responsibility for scheduling meetings, setting agendas, making work assignments. Additionally, incumbent serves as the technical advisor and de facto leader for the National SI Technical Working Group. In both these settings, incumbent provides guidance and supervision to assure that committee objectives are accomplished. 7. Incumbent monitors and projects SI technical supply needs, for ad hoc and ongoing national surveys. S/He is required to develop consolidated supply inventory requests for all PEPFAR-supported SI partners. Annual estimated cost of expendable supplies is $100,000. 8. Incumbent responsible for preparation of annual PEPFAR SI budget of $6.4 million. Duties require management, tracking, and financial analysis of six USG implementing partner budgets for these activities. Cooperative agreement budgets range from $100,000 to $2.0 million annually in FY 2008. Reviews budget to ensure adherence to program policies and unit rates whenever provinces or contractors send a proposal relating to program evaluation components of HIV program. 9. Has final responsibility to insure that data is accurate, correctly analyzed, well managed and secure. Collects data from various collaborating agencies to support monitoring and evaluation of the progress and impact of program activities funded by PEPFAR cooperative agreements and grants. Much of this information is sensitive and follows appropriate CDC or USAID protocols. 10. Incumbent has responsibility for providing assistance in developing contracts with national and international consultants for SI services, including the defining of requirements, development of deliverables, and project monitoring and evaluation. Incumbent frequently will be part of selection committees for the open and competitive procurement of technical assistance. 11. As an internationally recognized strategic information expert, incumbent works independently to provide technical consultation on SI program activities of ongoing or proposed public health programs funded by PEPFAR. Incumbent has the discretion to plan and adjust not only own work, but also the work of others related to the delivery of quality SI services in Cote d'Ivoire. Incumbent discusses development of SI technical services activites, including designing technical indicators and collection instruments, interpreting results, and making recommendations for program improvement, with senior staff of appropriate ministries and other SI partners throughout the country. Incumbent has freedom to independently take action and make decisions on work area and to work with implementing partners from national and local public health agencies. 12. Incumbent's expertise, specific knowledge, and experience in both SI technical and program management demand that s/he be able to resolve even the most difficult SI related problems independently. As a recognized expert in the science and technology of SI, provides scientific advice and consultation in devising solutions to critical problems by developing approaches consistent with current best practices. Incumbent has the discretion, authority and ability to manage these projects, to make day-to-day decisions on direction and approach, and to adjust plans to meet emerging issues. 13. A major portion of incumbent's responsibilities includes changing the overall direction of the SI system in Cote d'Ivoire. Incumbent is responsible for providing overall direction and technical assistance in the development of a new long-term national SI strategy. This includes building the capacity to develop budgets and work plans, to determine and adjust work priorities, and to resolve routine and complex problems for projects as they arise. 14. Incumbent has the authority to develop and adjust long-range strategic plans with senior-level ministry officials, and to counsel and guide them in the setting of priorities necessary to make substantive changes in thinking related to the delivery of SI services, particularly as it relates to developing a nationwide health management information system. This is a long-term effort that will require the formulation of detailed proposals for the development of a national SI policy and the development and dissemination of technical and administrative guidance documents. Incumbent is central to this effort and will be required to monitor and evaluate progress, to make adjustments of project impact and outcome, and to carefully document the results. 15. Incumbent provides highly technical and strategic advice to PEPFAR colleagues, relevant ministries, and implementing partners related to the development and monitoring of SI systems for management tracking, supervision and evaluation of PEPFAR program progress. Assists in formulation of annual and strategic plans for overall program direction. Develops and provides guidance for technical documents related to program evaluation and monitoring, such as policies, protocol manuals, etc For PEPFAR Executive Team and CDC Country Director: 16. Provides advice on Strategic Information and monitoring, informatics, and SI systems training requirements; on improvement of program quality through development of SI protocols, procedure manuals and quality assurance instruments; and, on identification of consultants for specific SI program activities. For other PEPFAR partners 17. Reports to the TWG on the progress and outcomes of SI program data and information and makes suggestions to ensure a highly effective integrated approach. Since SI is a crosscutting area for all prevention, care and treatment programs, data this program collects and analyzes will show the effectiveness of program interventions, such as referral systems to other services offered by other programs. Advice and recommendations are made in order to improve overall program quality as well as effective supervision and quality assurance. For subordinates and colleagues: 18. Provides advice and recommendations on improving SI program quality, including training, implementing and monitoring field activities. As an example, provides advice and suggestions, when finding out from monitoring and quality assurance (Q/A) visits that provincial staff do not understand the importance of accurately collecting, collating, analyzing and presenting program data in a way that will assist them to identify problems, and from there negotiates and suggests solutions to ensure a high quality program. For national and international organizations: 19. As the nationally recognized expert on SI systems, provides recommendations on the development of state-of-the-art methods and practices. Major decisions related to SI program changes will be on the basis of advice, counsel and guidance provided by incumbent. 20. Incumbent's technical support on SI aspects of prevention, care and treatment projects, as well as his/her provision of valuable information needed for improvement of program implementation, has a high level of impact on PEPFAR and CDC activities in Cote d'Ivoire. For example, incumbent works with the Prevention, Care and Treatment, and Strategic Information technical working groups to assure that effective program indicators for laboratory testing and training requirements are incorporated into their programs. 21. Incumbent's activities have a significant impact on the formulation and delivery of SI services within Cote d'Ivoire. The need for directional change in the delivery of SI services requires an individual with strong persuasive skills who is recognized and respected for hi/her professional skills in SI systems development. The potential change to be brought about by the incumbent in this position could potentially affect the delivery of SI services for decades. This, in turn, affects the ability of programs that depend on SI results to be strengthened. Working Environment: Basic office environment (85% of time), and field clinical settings (15% of time) as incumbent oversees the work of others. Incumbent routinely has multiple projects underway simultaneously with competing project deadlines. This situation may lead to stress. The incumbent may have to work outside official hours in order to meet deadlines, or for routine travel or work away from duty station. The incumbent may experience regular and moderate levels of job-related stress from demanding activities and occasional tight timeframes, or from frequent queries from project and CDC staff to explain, clarify and otherwise assist in the understanding of Project Management activities or process results. The need to meet tight deadlines and produce data and reports for use by senior CDC and host country officials also may induce psychologically demanding stress. Frequent travel, such as day trips several times a week, throughout Abidjan and throughout Cote d' Ivoire on a monthly basis - working away from duty station represents a moderate to moderately high degree of disruption to work patterns (or what the next level of disruption is). 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. 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: Nancy Lindsey, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2008-N-XXXXX 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of Nancy Lindsey at nel0@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 Strategic Information Advisor. 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...