USPSC Supervisory Health and Education Specialist

ISSUANCE DATE: 05/25/2016 CLOSING DATE: 06/15/2016 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 12-2016 USPSC Supervisory Health and Education Specialist, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Christopher Daly, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, HR Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34, or e-mail almaexo_hr@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Christopher Daly Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 12-2016 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 12-2016 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 05/25/2016 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 06/15/2016 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Supervisory Health and Education Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $102,646 - $133,444 per annum (GS-15 equivalent) with 15% Post Differential (currently) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (with possibility for extension) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND USAID Regional Mission to Central Asia (CA), which is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, includes country offices in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Astana, Kazakhstan; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The region is bordered by Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and China - and the Mission manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. The current portfolio includes support for multi-million dollar bilateral and regional programs covering Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (with significant support to the Kyrgyz Republic Mission) across a range of technical fields, including agricultural development. USAID/CA also works closely with neighboring Missions (primarily Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India) on regional connectivity programming, which focuses primarily on Economic Development programming. Overall, USAID/CA is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for four republics of Central Asia. USAID's portfolio of assistance in the region falls under a Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS), which focuses on three Development Objectives (DOs): DO 1 - expanded diverse and competitive trade and markets. It ranks as one of the Agency's most complex programs; DO 2 - enhanced regional cooperation on shared energy and water resources; and DO 3 - more effective and inclusive governance institutions that serve the public good. Under the RDCS, the overall program budget for FY 2015 exceeds $75 million with more than $450 million in life-of-project funding. To implement activities under the RDCS, USAID/CA has three technical offices: the Economic Development Office (EDO), the Democracy and Governance Office (DGO), and the Health and Education Office (HEO). Taking into account the countries' individual paths as well as their shared priorities, USAID assistance in the region combines country-specific and regional programs to achieve this goal. Even where USAID's individual programs and activities are implemented in a bilateral context, the mission considers the broader regional perspectives, and facilitates communications with counterparts on shared interests. Within USAID/CA, the Health and Education Office (HEO) has the primary responsibility for management of assistance in the social sectors, primarily health reform, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis), maternal and child health, family planning and nutrition. USAID/HEO, in close coordination with country offices, serves as the primary point of communication on these sectors with the governments of the four Central Asian Republics (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan); U.S. Embassies in Central Asia; non-governmental organizations (indigenous, U. S., international); other donors and private commercial entities. USAID/CA's DO 3 encompasses health and education activities: more effective and inclusive governance institutions that serve the public good. This objective is achieved through three intermediate results: (3.1) more constructive engagement between representative civil society and governments; (3.2) more accountable and transparent state institutions and civil society; and (3.3) increased use of health, education and other services by target population. Global health problems -- including HIV/AIDS and drug resistant strains of TB - remain acute in Central Asia. Poverty and hunger are significant concerns in Tajikistan and parts of the Kyrgyz Republic. Limited trans-boundary cooperation to reduce health threats such as HIV or TB exacerbates the challenges of diagnosing and treating these diseases, especially for people who inject drugs and migrant populations, respectively. The USPSC Supervisory Health and Education Specialist is being recruited to fill a gap between Foreign Service Officers, with a USDH Supervisory General Development Officer (HEO Director) to be identified via the 2017 Foreign Service Assignment Cycle. B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Supervisory Health and Education Specialist (Specialist) serves as the Director for the Health and Education Office (HEO) and is responsible for policy dialogue, design and management of USAID activities in health and education in the four countries of Central Asia and closely coordinates on regional projects with USAID/Kyrgyz Republic (USAID/KR). The health program includes infectious disease control (TB, HIV/AIDS, etc.), health systems reform, maternal and child health and nutrition. The education program operates in Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic and focuses primarily on improving basic education. The incumbent serves as an advisor on public health and education senior development and reform matters - frequently engaging host country governments, the private sector and the Embassies in policy dialogue, and the conceptualization, design and execution of public health management systems reform and education sector development programs. The position requires broad development experience in these areas, and excellent management, leadership, interpersonal and teambuilding skills. S/he is a member of the Mission's senior management team, reports to the Deputy Mission Director, and directly supervises 1 USPSC and 7 FSN professional staff; and provides technical and policy guidance to the regional staff located in five country offices and several large, complex multi-country contracts and grantees. S/he works closely with the TB and Education Team Leaders who oversee subsets of HEO activities. The position is responsible for leadership and management of the USAID/CA Health and Education technical portfolio, and manages the planning, analysis, negotiation, implementation, and evaluation of USAID health and education development program portfolio. S/he manages implementation teams, contractors and grantees to achieve specific program objectives and results. Activities currently under the Office Director's purview are carried out at national and local levels throughout the region, including some regional activities in health. S/he works closely with all five Embassies, donor organizations and NGOs, as well as with senior host country officials. The Specialist will act as the team leader for special initiatives as need. As team leader for special initiatives, the incumbent will demonstrate a team approach to achieving results. In carrying out the specific responsibilities, the Specialist will closely collaborate with other offices in the Mission and actively participate as a team member on other strategic teams which relate to the health sector. Specifically, the Specialist's responsibilities and duties include, but not be limited to the following: a) Program/Project Management and Administration (60%): - Serves as a technical resource for foreign assistance activities in the areas of health reform, infectious diseases, maternal/child health and family planning, other public health issues and partnership development in all these areas. - Acquaints host country officials in five very diverse countries with what work USAID does, temper expectations and obtain cooperation and support. - Supports activities within the sector by researching, reviewing and analyzing data and providing assistance and advice on sector issues. - Assists in coordinating and managing strategies, policies, concepts, procedures and guidelines for establishing programs in the public health and education sectors. - Analyzes constraints to development, both sector-wide and country-specific, and recommends courses of action. - Coordinates program and activity design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation plans. Ensures evaluation of activities and use of results in line with Agency guidance and recommendations. - Coordinates assigned activities within USAID/CA, the Department of State, other USG agencies, other donors, and the private sector. Develops requirements and subsequently manages financial instruments (Contracts, Cooperative Agreements and Grants) with Agency partners, requiring business skills to manage the relationship. - Travels on a regular basis in all five Central Asian Republics to meet with local officials, USAID and U.S. Embassy personnel; and to monitor USAID-funded health activities. b) Program Planning and Special Projects (40%): - Leads the development of strategies, plans and budgets for the programs and activities of USAID-supported contractors/grantees engaged in health and education development initiatives in Central Asia. Identifies constraints to sector development and reform that Missions should raise as policy issues during negotiations for new USAID assistance or international consultative groups. Conceptualizes the design, documentation, and/or management of programs/activities that may be targeted toward a specific situation or to a specific development problem. Develops concept papers, project authorizations and project amendments, in line with the Agency regulations and guidance. Contributes to the development of USAID/CA's health and education strategies and designs. - Recommends projects and initiatives to advance strategic objectives, and ensures appropriate project interventions to achieve results. Makes recommendations for budgetary levels for distinct functions. - Determines, guides and coordinates the planning of a broad range of program activities, including identifying opportunities for integrating development assistance principles with other sectors of development programs; participate in the formulation of policies and guidelines to further achievement of USAID activities in the sectors and their promote dissemination of results and lessons learned via public outreach activities. - Through field observation, analysis and consultation with host government and other entities, identifies need for US assistance in the areas of health and education. - Serves as a member of the USAID/CA regional team. - Provides regular and frequent reporting to the Mission Director, the Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Mission in four countries, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, and USAID/W on progress, impact, problems, constraints, opportunities and issues related to USAID-financed health and education development programs. - Develops information on related efforts in other countries conducted by USAID that may be beneficial in Central Asia. - Represents USAID before and coordinates with other donors in Central Asia to ensure that programs are complementary and consistent. Ensures that USAID/CA remains informed on other donors plans and actions in Central Asia. - Performs a variety of duties related to special projects involving program issues that contain complicating elements. Manages special crosscutting initiatives and task force groups to accomplish programmatic goals. These groups may review specific programs or develop new initiatives in various program areas. C) SUPERVISION RECEIVED/SUPERVISION EXERCISED The Supervisory Health and Education Specialist reports to the USAID/CA Deputy Mission Director and supervises 1 USPSC Regional HIV Advisor and 7 FSN professional staff, and is responsible for monitoring the assigned activities being funded by USAID in the health sector. The incumbent also works closely with, but does not directly supervise, 2 USDH Development Officers serving as Team Leads for Health and Education activities. D) LEVEL OF CONTACTS - Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatus in five Central Asian Republics - Deputy Ministers in five Central Asia Republics - U.S. Ambassadors in five Central Asia Republics - Non-U.S. Ambassadors in five Central Asia supporting development initiatives - Counterpart Host Country Officials responsible for development assistance matters in Central Asia - Chiefs of Party of USAID health and education Contractors and Grantees - Senior executives at U.S. headquarters of USAID health and education Contractors and Grantees - Institutional contractors, PVOs and NGOs working on related matters - International Donors operating in Central Asia - USAID/CA Office Directors and Country Directors - USAID/Washington staff - CODELs, STAFFdels E) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA 1. GENERAL: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Kazakhstan. Must be willing to travel throughout Central Asia and occasionally to other countries in the broader region. 2. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: (30 points) Have a minimum of ten (10) years progressively responsible experience working in international public health in developing or transition countries. At least five to seven (5-7) years' prior work experience will have been with a U.S. Government Agency, other international donor organization(s) and/or USAID-funded Contractor or Grantee in the design, implementation, administration and management of national and/or regional health activities/programs, including experience in health systems reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis and/or sexually transmitted infections) and other USAID/CA priorities. Preference is for such experience in Central Asia and/or countries of the former Soviet Union. 3. KNOWLEDGE: (20 points) Knowledge of USAID procurement and program management procedures and regulations; working knowledge of public health issues and developments, as well as concepts, principles, techniques, and practices related to the administration of public health activities internationally. 4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (30 points) This position requires a unique blend of qualities to include: demonstrated health expertise including at least five (5) years' experience and demonstrated competency in the design, implementation, management and evaluation of public health programs in developing or transition countries. The incumbent must have the background and skills to assess, monitor and manage activities in such diverse areas as health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and or sexually transmitted infections) and other USAID/CA health priorities. The incumbent requires leadership skills and exceptional communications and interpersonal skills; an ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; integrity; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances. The ability to manage multiple activities under extreme time constraints to independently carry out institutional and program assessments, develop policy recommendations, and direct technical analyses is essential. The incumbent must be a self-starter - able to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure as a team member in a culturally diverse team environment. Exceptional interpersonal skills and diplomacy are required to maintain excellent working relationships with all Mission personnel, internal/external contacts, counterparts, shareholders, and clients. A proven ability to develop and maintain professional relations with the most senior-ranking Central Asia stakeholders (i.e., local international donor representatives, heads of national, state and local health departments, non-governmental organization representatives, and other key stakeholders and partners) is required. In addition, the ability to be responsive to clients' needs and to adapt to the existing management team by being a good listener, a team builder, and an articulate advocate of the USAID/CA's Regional Development Cooperation Strategy and relevant Agency initiatives is essential. Command of software programs for e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics presentations is required. 5. LANGUAGE SKILLS: (10 points) Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required. Russian language skills are preferred but not required. Given the level of responsibility associated with this position, communication skills, both written and oral must be exceptional. The incumbent is required to: 1) prepare specific status/progress reports and documents requiring limited editorial changes prior to distribution; and 2) prepare and present oral briefings. 6. EDUCATION: (10 points) An advanced degree in public health or related field is required. Total: 100 points References are required. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a) the most current Curriculum Vitae or resume; b) completed and signed AID 302-3 form (Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts) including experience and salary history; c) list of references with telephone and e-mail contact information; and d) writing sample (maximum 2 pages) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) June 15, 2016. The form is available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc. The application package should be submitted by e-mail (preferred), DHL, or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Human Resources Office USAID/CA Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: almaexo_hr@usaid.gov Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. USAID/CA expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for one-year period (extension optional) commencing o/a September 1, 2016 (as early as possible), subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asia see Mission's website https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. AID 302-3 Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts form. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or Contractor Physical Examination (AID 1420-62). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs a) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) and CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. b) 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: https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/agency-policy is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.