USAID President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Country Coordinator position

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor - USAID PEPFAR Country Coordinator The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified United States (US) citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation for services in Harare, Zimbabwe. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-613-14-000006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 1, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: Friday, May 30, 2014, 17:00 Local Time, Harare, Zimbabwe 4. POSITION TITLE: USAID PEPFAR Country Coordinator 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION: The position is the equivalent of a GS-14, ranging from $85,544 to $111,203 per annum. Final compensation will be based on individual's salary and work history, experience and educational background, within the GS-14 range. 6. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be based on a 100-point Scale: Education (10 Points); Work Experience (40 points); and Abilities and Skills (50 points). 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with the possibility of extensions pending need, performance and funding, not to exceed a total of five (5) years. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Harare, Zimbabwe 9. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Clearance (USPSCs) 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens 11. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION: I. SCOPE OF WORK Introduction and Background: Launched in 2003, U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), holds a place in history as the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. PEPFAR-Zimbabwe currently manages a US$ 95 million dollar (FY2014) program support HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care activities in Zimbabwe. It engages a number of partners in the public and private sectors, including government ministries and agencies, academic institutions, international and Zimbabwean non-governmental organizations, professional associations, faith based organizations, international organizations and other entities that provide HIV-related services. The program is implemented in Zimbabwe in cooperation and coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe PEPFAR program is guided by the global PEPFAR goals under the framework of the PEPFAR Blueprint: 1. Transition from an emergency response to promotion of sustainable country programs. 2. Strengthen partner government capacity to lead the response to this epidemic and other health demands. 3. Expand prevention, care, and treatment in concentrated and generalized epidemics. 4. Integrate and coordinate HIV/AIDS programs with broader global health and development programs to maximize impact on health systems. 5. Invest in innovation and operations research to evaluate impact, improve service delivery and maximize outcomes. A PEPFAR Zimbabwe strategy is being finalized to further guide the country program towards specific objectives relevant to the Zimbabwe context to be achieved through PEPFAR investments through 2015. USG HIV/AIDS activities in Zimbabwe fall under the responsibility of the PEPFAR/Zimbabwe Team, under the leadership of the Ambassador, with principle membership being the US Agency for International Development (USAID/Zimbabwe), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention office (HHS/CDC/Zimbabwe), the US Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS), and US Embassy Political and Economic Office of Self-help Program. Issues addressed by the Team include PEPFAR program implementation (program planning, budgeting, oversight, and reporting), support and assistance to The Global Fund activities and coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe and other health sector donors on HIV/AIDS and health-related assistance. II. Basic Functions: The incumbent is the primary point of contact and coordinator of activities related to the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the country. The PEPFAR Coordinator plays a critical role in the planning, implementation, and reporting of program performance of inter-agency programs. The Ambassador heads the in-country PEPFAR program and is the final decision-maker under PEPFAR Guidance to all program plans and activities submitted to the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator for approval. The Coordinator provides advice and counsel to the Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission on all matters related to HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. The Coordinator is a facilitator, a communicator, and at times, a negotiator. The Coordinator is, in general, not a technical director, although the Coordinator may be expected on occasion to ensure follow-up on implementation of technical recommendations based on the Country Operational Plan (COP) and other performance review information. When delegated this authority by the Ambassador and PEPFAR leads, the Coordinator may represent PEPFAR with external partners including government, implementing partners, press, and others. Zimbabwe has established a management interagency working group comprising agency leads and key technical staff. The Coordinator is accountable for ensuring this group appropriately manages PEPFAR processes in country. The Coordinator should develop agendas, facilitate information sharing and decision-making processes, and ensure implementation of PEPFAR guidance in Zimbabwe. The Coordinator should also facilitate interagency dialogue on technical issues through regularly scheduled and ad hoc forums as appropriate; these forums may include technical working groups and should be seen as an opportunity to promote Host Country National (HCN) leadership. The Coordinator is the lead for the COP, Semi-Annual Performance Review (SAPR), and Annual Performance Review (APR) development. The Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that reports are submitted to Washington on time, for organizing the logistical arrangements for inter-agency work, and for keeping agencies on task for inter-agency efforts. Agency leads should be copied on communications between the Coordinator and program staff as well as on substantive communications between the Coordinator and the Country Support Team Lead in headquarters. This procedure is essential to retain trust and respect between agency leads and the Coordinator. In addition, it is critical that the Coordinator be copied on internal agency communication related to matters of PEPFAR program strategy, implementation, and management and staffing. The Coordinator may represent the agencies at official meetings if so delegated by the Ambassador and/or Agencies. When a Coordinator meets with host country Government (host Government) counterparts, s/he should include agency leads or, if not possible, consult with agency leads. III. Duties and Responsibilities: Principal Responsibilities include: (1) Liaise with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) through the respective Country Support Team Lead and members named by OGAC. (2) Liaise with interested/affected units at the Embassy to ensure that the Ambassador and others are well informed of key PEPFAR accomplishments, challenges, and timelines. (3) Liaise with representatives of the USG PEPFAR agencies to ensure critical communication between and among agencies, including action requests, and policy guidance from OGAC. (4) Liaise with specific and agreed-upon host government ministries/offices to promote maximum collaboration between the host government HIV/AIDS programs and those being planned and implemented by USG agencies and their partners. (5) Liaise with development partners active in HIV/AIDS, and specifically with the Country Coordination Mechanism and administrative agents of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, to ensure optimal integration of USG efforts with those of others. (6) Support representational activities by the following illustrative examples: a. With agency input, prepare speeches for delivery by the Ambassador and requested background materials for public as well as sensitive diplomatic events, b. With agency input, prepare written materials in collaboration with the PAS, including press releases and Op-Ed materials for local and international media, c. With agency input, support Congressional visits, PEPFAR Deputy Principal visits, and visits by international dignitaries. (7) Facilitate the development and implementation of a unified PEPFAR program, which includes the planning and production of the annual COP, that capitalizes on the comparative advantages and competencies of participating USG agencies, achieves maximum results related to the PEPFAR targets and the host Government's National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS, and is optimally responsive to the needs of the respective host country's citizens infected, affected, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. (8) Coordinate and facilitate all reporting, including SAPR and APR development. (9) Supervision of the Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator, Global Fund Liaison, and potential additional PEPFAR Coordinator Office staff IV. Specific Duties shall include: (1) Foster and facilitate USG inter-agency collaboration and cooperation around HIV/AIDS activities; (2) Organize the work of the PEPFAR/Zimbabwe Team; call for meetings, prepare agendas, and keep and distribute minutes of PEPFAR Team meetings; maintain a calendar of important benchmarks to ensure the program is on schedule; (3) Facilitate and ensure timely financial and programmatic reporting by all participating USG agencies and their implementing partners. (4) Coordinate inter-agency and Washington clearance for TDYs, and promoting inter-agency benefit from TDYs whenever possible and appropriate. (5) Prepare and disseminate periodic internal and external updates/status reports on PEPFAR, both financial and programmatic. (6) Responsible for the coordination of inputs and preparation of all required reports/documents to the Office of the OGAC, including the COP, the Annual report, and Joint Portfolio Reviews with partners; (7) Monitor, analyze and report trends and policy developments related to Zimbabwe's HIV/AIDS epidemic as context for the operational environment of PEPFAR/Zimbabwe activities; (8) Attend all relevant meetings concerning PEPFAR and often convene and chair meetings that are required to execute assigned responsibilities; (9) Coordinate strategic planning discussions, including budget discussions, among PEPFAR Team agencies; (10)Manage operational and strategic planning processes to ensure development of a balanced PEPFAR program and mediate inter-agency conflicts that may occur in the planning process; (11)Participate in the interagency Strategic Information Team and data quality assessment visits; (12)Assist in - translating for the PEPFAR/Zimbabwe Team and implementing partners changes in and additions to OGAC policies, directives, guidance, etc., showing how they are applicable to the Zimbabwean program; (13)Develop presentation and distribution of materials regarding PEPFAR, globally and in Zimbabwe, for diverse audiences (including visitors, implementing partners, partner government, US businesses and the press) for all PEPFAR Team members to use; (14)Participate in relevant health donor coordination forums, including but not limited to the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and the health development partners group; (15)Provide support to the Global Fund Liaison to promote stronger coordination of PEPFAR and Global Fund programs; (16)Work with the US Public Affairs Section (PAS) on outreach opportunities both in Zimbabwe and at other appropriate venues on PEPFAR and HIV/AIDS issues; (17)Assist in coordinating visits of U.S. government officials involved in health issues, and support HIV-related consultations, site visits and other activities developed and managed by the PEPFAR Team; (18)Support efforts by USG agencies to recruit, qualify, and successfully engage new, especially indigenous, partners in PEPFAR activities; (19)Serve as the key point of contact, between OGAC and the PEPFAR/Zimbabwe Team, engaging Agency leads and technical staff as appropriate; (20)Undertake other assignments as identified by OGAC and the PEPFAR Country Team. V. Qualifications: To be considered, the applicant must have: - An advanced degree (Masters or higher) in a relevant professional discipline such as public policy, public heath, administration; - At least 7 years of progressively more senior experience managing HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs, preferably in a developing country context; - Excellent written and oral English communication skills; - Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple agencies and numerous individuals; - Ability to work and reside in Zimbabwe; - Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms VI. Personal Attributes: The successful applicant will have: - Highly effective interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in operating effectively in cross-cultural environments and working within interagency settings; - Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills; - Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues, orally and in written format; - Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with multiple partners; - Demonstrated high degree of sound judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints; - Demonstrated ability to keep track of a large amount of data and manage complex inter-agency planning and reporting processes - Demonstrated strong conceptual, analytical, and reasoning skills. - Demonstrated ability to mediate inter-agency conflicts and facilitate consensus decisions on complex technical, programmatic, strategic, and financial issues. - Strong capacity to multi-task; including managing, prioritizing, and fulfilling competing demands in real time. VII. Other considerations: Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Detail-oriented person; ability to work both independently and in teams; ability to organize tasks with severe time constraints; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to understand and use various computer programs including advanced skills in Microsoft Excel. Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS activities and the PEPFAR context. Basic knowledge/experience in program administration and oversight, and fiscal management within the US federal government context. Work Environment: Normal office environment with some travel required. Probationary Period: Within two months of entry into the position, the employee will demonstrate: - A good working knowledge of PEPFAR policy and overall objectives in Zimbabwe as well as a thorough understanding of the country program, its overall design, and structure. - An excellent working relationship with all USG personnel and local partner representatives engaged in PEPFAR implementation so that information can be gathered and shared openly and expeditiously. An excellent working relationship with the PEPFAR Strategic Information Team is essential. - Familiarity with the USG budgeting process, in particular the PEPFAR budgeting cycle that includes reprogramming and knowledge of accountability for USG spending. - Ease in interacting with a range of representatives from many levels, from high-level US and Zimbabwean colleagues to local implementing partners. VIII. Supervision: The incumbent represents the Ambassador in sensitively and collaboratively managing the complex processes associated with planning for, implementing, and monitoring the results of the Emergency Plan across the participating USG implementing agencies. First-line supervision of this position is assigned to the Deputy Chief of Mission. The employing agency, or its agent, will manage administrative requirements (personnel files, payroll, etc.). The Country Coordinator may supervise a Deputy Country Coordinator and other non-direct hire staff in the Coordinator's office should additional personnel be recruited. IX. Evaluation of performance: In addition to the personnel evaluation procedures of the employing agency and its agent, the DCM may obtain a - 360 degree evaluation seeking the perspectives of at least one representative of each USG implementing agency, directly supervised staff involved in coordinating PEPFAR activities, and key host government interlocutors. The results of the 360 evaluation will be shared with both the Country Team Lead (OGAC) and the Ambassador. The review will serve as the basis for determining whether the Coordinator's terms of employment is renewed. X. Selection Factors: Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The following factors are listed in descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. In order to be considered for this position, a candidate must meet the Required Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of Required Minimum Qualifications, Desired Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed below: 1. Work Experience (40 points): - At least 7 years of progressively more senior experience in program planning, implementation, and management with substantial background in HIV/AIDS; - Experience managing HIV/AIDS and/or other health programs in a developing country context; - Proven track-record of managing teams and/or complex inter-agency processes. 2. Education (10 points): - Advanced degree(s) in public health, public policy, public administration or other relevant training in international health. 3. Abilities and Skills (50 points): - Excellent management, coordination, interpersonal and teamwork skills; - Demonstrated judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints; - Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues; - Familiarity with, or ability to learn, USG systems and implementation mechanisms; - Experience in operating effectively in cross-cultural environment and working within inter-agency setting. XI. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: A) APPLYING For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position. i). Marking Applications: To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. ii). CV/Resume: An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation. iii). Form OF-612: The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612. Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http:/www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices. iv). References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. v). Required Forms for PSCs: The required shall be provided upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. vi). Late Submissions: Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 - Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals for further information. USAID/Zimbabwe reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. B) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES i). Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver for the country of performance specified. Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. ii). Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a - secret clearance. A temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. C) REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES i). USAID Regulations: 1. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs): CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site - http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract. 2. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID. ii). Benefits, Allowances and U.S. Taxes: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed): 1. Benefits: a) Employee's FICA Contribution (applicable to USPSCs only) b) Annual Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) c) Pay Comparability Adjustment - - Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) d) Worker's Compensation (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) e) Vacation and Sick Leave (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) f) Access to Health Unit if employee and/or dependents are medically cleared to serve at post of assignment 2. Allowances * (If Applicable): a) Post Differential (Section 500) b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) c) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) d) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220) e) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) f) Payment During Evacuation (Section 600) g) Education Allowance (Section 270) h) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) i) Danger Pay (Section 650) j) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 3. In-Kind Allowances: The USG will provide the following in-kind allowances, on par with US Direct Hires at the same location, in lieu of some allowances in paragraph - 2. Allowances* (If Applicable) above: a) Housing b) Furniture c) Appliances d) Furnishings (drapes/blinds, rugs, lights, etc.) e) Utilities f) Guard Services for Residence 4. Federal and State Taxes: a. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes and will be withheld from compensation payments. b. State Taxes: USAID does not withhold state taxes from compensation payments. State taxes are solely between the employee and the employee's state of official residence. Interested applicants must submit: (1) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation. (2) Form OF-612: This form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612; and, (3) References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Please note that the U.S. mail system is not as reliable as other methods of submitting applications. Preferred methods include: courier, overnight mail service, hand delivery, fax (at the number below), or emailing scanned copies to Zimrecruit@usaid.gov . Applications must be signed and dated. In addition, hard copies of certain documents may be requested. Applicants are responsible for submitting the OF-612, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation whether submitted by courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax or e-mail. An application received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.412. USAID/Zimbabwe reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Methods of Submission of an Application: 1. Hand Deliver and Courier To: USAID/Zimbabwe Office of Human Resources 1 Pascoe Avenue Belgravia Harare Zimbabwe 2. Via U.S. Mail: USAID/Zimbabwe Office of Human Resources 2180 Harare Place Washington DC 20521 - 2180 4. If sent via email: Human Resources Office E-mail address: zimrecruit@usaid.gov All questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Ms. Zandile Goromonzi Human Resources Specialist Telephone: +263 4 252401 Ext 235 Cell: +263-77-2-565964 E-mail address: zgoromonzi@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications. END OF SOLICITATION