PRESOL | R | Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF MARCH 28, 2010 FBO #3046
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor

Notice Date: 3/26/2010
Notice Type: Presolicitation
NAICS: 812990 — All Other Personal Services
Contracting Office: Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Rwanda USAID-Kigali, Department of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-2130
ZIP Code: 20521-2130
Solicitation Number: SOL-696-10-000004
Archive Date: 5/11/2010
Point of Contact: Colette Munyakazi, Phone: 250-252-596400, Robert Kiberu, Phone: 250-0252-596400
E-Mail Address: cmunyakazi@usaid.gov, rkiberu@usaid.gov
(cmunyakazi@usaid.gov, rkiberu@usaid.gov)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: Solicitation # SOL-696-10-000004 for US/TCN/PSC Personal Service Contractor - Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor in USAID/Rwanda ISSUANCE DATE: March 26, 2010 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF QUESTIONS: April 19, 2010 CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: April 26, 2010 CLOSING TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: 5 PM (Kigali Time) Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified United States citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCN), to provide personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to): (i) most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; (ii) signed Optional Form (OF) 612; and (iii) three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and e-mail contacts. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Rwanda reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. Form OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected. Applicants should retain for their record, copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted in writing to Colette Munyakazi, HR Specialist via e-mail at cmunyakazi@usaid.gov and to Robert Kiberu, HR Assistant at rkiberu@usaid.gov ; no later than April 15, 2010. Based on submissions received in response to this solicitation, the government reserves the right to extend the due date, if necessary. Method of delivery of applications: Electronic submission is authorized. All application packages are to be submitted by email to: cmunyakazi@usaid.gov and rkiberu@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. For those who wish to send hard copies of their application by mail: Mailing (least preferred): Via Courier Service: USAID/Rwanda - Executive Office 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie - Kacyiru B.P 2848 Kigali, Rwanda (Solicitation # SOL-696-S-10-000004) Submission by e-mail is the preferred method of delivery. Please note that USAID/Rwanda does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application. Applications received after the closing date and time specified will not be considered. Receipt of an application in response to this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment. Additionally, it does not commit the U.S. Government to reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Any submission is at the sole risk of the applicant. USAID reserves the right to award, or not to award, the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Hadiza Linganwa Executive Officer USAID/Rwanda Attachment to Solicitation No. SOL-696-10-000004 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-696-10-000004 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 26, 2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 26, 2010 17.00, Kigali, Rwanda, Local Time 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with an option to renew for up to three additional years based on continuing need for the position, performance and availability of funds. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kigali, Rwanda 8. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: The apparently successful applicant shall be required to obtain a secret level security clearance as a pre-condition for employment. 9. MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The apparently successful applicant, and any eligible family members who will accompany the applicant to post, shall be required to obtain a Department of State Medical clearance to live and/or work in Rwanda as a pre-condition for employment and/or residence in Rwanda. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 11. SELECTION CRITERIA: Grading will be done on a 100-point scale: Education and Other Academic Training (10%), Work and Professional Experience (40%), Abilities, Knowledge and Abilities (50 pts). 12. STATEMENT OF WORK: a. Background Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a current population of just over nine million. Nearly fourteen years after the genocide, which killed almost one million people, Rwanda faces multiple health and development challenges including HIV, Malaria and poor maternal and child health. Currently, an estimated 3.1% of the adult population is infected with HIV (3.6% of adult women and 2.3% of adult males). In addition, the entire population of Rwanda is at risk for malaria, of which an estimated 1.55 million are children under five and 390,000 are pregnant women. Also, Rwanda's maternal mortality rate remains one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa and the fifth worst in the world. One pregnant woman in 130 dies due to complications in pregnancy or delivery and the majority of women in Rwanda give birth outside of a health facility. Taken together, these are significant health and development challenges. USAID seeks to actively address Rwanda's health challenges through its participation in the PEPFAR and PMI programs. In addition, USAID uses its own health funds to bolster maternal and child health services as well as reproductive health services. Overall, USAID funding on health in Rwanda is significant and totals approximately well over $100 million. b. Basic Function of Position USAID Rwanda requires a Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor to provide expert advice and leadership on a broad range of policy development, program management and technical and coordination issues to support USAID/Rwanda's HIV/AIDS program and health team. Within the USAID Health Team, selected staff are responsible for planning, managing and evaluating USAID/Rwanda's PEPFAR program. In recent years, this sub-team of HIV/AIDS professionals has grown and gained considerable experience in implementing PEPFAR and aligning the USAID/USG PEPFAR programs with Rwandan policies and plans. A number of Foreign Service National (FSN) staff have been recruited and are now assuming leadership roles. They are joined by international staff that advise on and oversee selected program components. In addition, having adopted an approach to health programs that emphasize integrated systems strengthening and health services delivery, the HIV/AIDS sub-team is complemented by other international and FSN staff who manage other health programs, including those that address malaria, FP/RH and MCH. There is also a Strategic Information team and a senior logistics and commodities advisor. This entire program is overseen by the Health Team Leader with support from the Deputy Team Leader. In addition to providing expert advise across the HIV/AIDS portfolio and cross-cutting programs that address HIV/AIDS as one of its components, the incumbent will be contribute to accurate planning, implementation, management, monitoring, results reporting, advocacy and performance improvement of PEPFAR USAID activities totaling over $80 million for the FY 08 fiscal year. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will report to the Health Team Leader or Deputy Health Team Leader and may be called upon to represent USAID within the Embassy or with Rwandan and other external partners. c. Major Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will be the senior advisor on all aspects of the HIV/AIDS program. The incumbent will contribute to strategic planning, directing, managing, and monitoring activities and all HIV/AIDS programs of USAID/Rwanda. The incumbent will also contribute to team building, mentoring of staff, and creating appropriate linkages with other Mission activities and programs. The incumbent will act independently and exercise considerable judgment and discretion in dealing with senior- and mid-level partners in other USG agencies, and with the Government of Rwanda, donors, other local organizations, and Implementing Partners (IPs). The incumbent will be involved in policy dialogue and development of HIV/AIDS activities with the GOR, other PEPFAR agencies, and others on a consistent basis. In addition, the incumbent is expected to perform any additional emerging duties necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of USAID/Rwanda HIV/AIDS program. d. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Senior Management Activities • Supervises junior FSN and expatriate staff as requested to oversee performance of contractors and IPs in the implementation of HIV/AIDS funded projects. • Engages in high level policy dialogue with senior GOR officials at the level of National Program Director for HIV/AIDS and related health issues. The incumbent will work with the MOH and the National AIDS Council, other agencies and donors, NGOs, etc., as appropriate to advance USAID and PEFPAR policy objectives • Monitors implementation of projects through frequent meetings with counterpart personnel, and participation in USAID Health Team and PEPFAR steering and advisory committees, budget revisions, and field visits. In addition, the incumbent will engage in: Strategic Planning and Policy Development activities • Explore and evaluate intellectual, academic, and other resources which can be concentrated on identifying solutions to HIV/AIDS in Rwanda; • Seek the latest substantive thinking on HIV/AIDS, from sources within and outside the USG, relating such findings and knowledge to policies and programs of USAID/Rwanda and the HIV/AIDS portfolio; • Provide continuing coordination of review and evaluation of research on developments within the HIV/AIDS in the US and abroad, and effectively applying results to USAID/Rwanda; • Enhance and coordinate effective working relationships across sectoral lines, identifying important areas of interaction and impact, and ensuring that programs are managed to gain the greatest possible benefit from such interactions; • Provide strategic advice for and coordinate USAID's involvement in preparation of key planning and budget documents such as COPs, MOPs and OPS, with a particular focus on development of the operational plans, the semi-annual and annual progress reports, and the Congressional Notification; and participate in the USG PEPFAR Team and on the GOR PEFPAR Steering Committee. • Provide advice to Mission staff in the Health and other Mission SOs, to Mission management, and implementing partners on integrating health activities with HIV activities. • Seek opportunities to explore new Mission supported options such as the development of public/private partnerships which may lead to the development of Global Development Alliances (GDAs). Program Implementation including monitoring and evaluation of activities • Oversee COTRs, AOTRs and activity managers as well as serve as a CTOR, AOTR or activity manager for designated multi-million or multi-sectoral USAID-supported health grants, cooperative agreements and/or contracts. The incumbent will ensure that CTORs, AOTRs and activity managers will: a. Establish routine communication, conduct and document site visits and inspections; b. Maintain current files on the status of partner activities, resources and work plans; c. Ensure that contract and award management complies with USAID regulations; d. Provide overall management, technical guidance and leadership to implementing partners to assure activity effectiveness, efficiency and impact; e. Make recommendations to the Health Team and implementers on methods to increase activity effectiveness; f. Track progress against program descriptions, implementation plans and work plans, assess progress and barriers to achievement, recommend action for improvement or modifications to address problems, and document and highlight results; g. Collaborate with the USAID/Rwanda controller's office to ensure that financial records are properly reviewed and monitored; and h. Prepare USAID documentation such as Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs), program descriptions and/or statements of work, budgets and Implementation Letters (ILs) for HIV/AIDS activities. • Provide input for Health and HIV/AIDS reporting, including preparing portions of key USAID documents such as the Annual Report, Emergency Plan Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, the Congressional Budget Justification. • Contribute to any changes or updates to the HIV/AIDS and/or Health portfolio and supporting documents, including activity design documentation, related technical, policy, social soundness, gender and budgetary analyses, annual budget requests and the Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) with the Government of Rwanda (GOR). • Work with Health and other Mission Strategic Objectives, Mission management, implementing partners, local NGOs and GOR staff at all levels to support strengthening institutional capacity for sustained improvements in health. • Oversee and coordinate the visits of short-term advisors, evaluators or other in-country visitors associated with HIV/AIDS activities. Ensure goals and outcomes of the visits are consistent with HIV/AIDS program requirements. 7. Qualifications: • Education: Master's degree or equivalent in public health (MPH), nursing (MSN), medical degree (MD), or equivalent education is required. • Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public health, including experience in strategic planning and activity design, program planning and budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation. Experience with decentralized public sector programs in the developing world is desirable. Experience in addressing HIV/AIDS is essential. • Language Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Kinyarwanda is desirable. • Skills & Abilities: Demonstrated analytical, administrative and decision making abilities. 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. Strong oral and written skills are required, with the ability to clearly communicate program and technical concepts to technical and non-technical counterparts, including the ability to make concise and effective oral and written presentations. Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to negotiate and build consensus to achieve results with a wide range of program partners. Excellent experience in managing teams and people required; Ability to support FSN staff to assume greater leadership roles of USAID's HIV/AIDS program, including sound supervisory, mentoring and coaching skills. Strong computer literacy and aptitude to rapidly acquire and apply additional skills. Ability to rapidly create text, spreadsheets and other types of documents to meet specific program and reporting needs. Familiarity with, and sensitivity to, socio-cultural and institutional factors affecting program development and implementation in Sub Saharan Africa, preferably in francophone East Africa. 8. Supervision: • Supervision Received: The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will work under the direction of the Health Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader. He/she will work with the other USAID senior staff to facilitate collaboration between implementing partners and integration of any other relevant USAID/Rwanda activities. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will develop and negotiate an annual work plan with his/her supervisor who will evaluate him/her annually on the basis of the work plan. Work is reviewed for results achieved within policy and priorities and to assure compliance with annual program evaluation review requirements. • Supervision over Others: Supervises junior FSN and expatriate members of the HIV/AIDS sub-team as requested. 9. Available Guidelines: Mission Orders, Automated Directives Systems (ADS), Strategic Plan and other technical directives from USAID/Rwanda and USAID/Washington. 10. Exercise of Judgment: Excellent judgment is critical to successful performance by the incumbent and to successful team work within USAID/Rwanda and for implementation of the Mission's program. Incumbent must exercise wide and independent judgment to interpret and enforce USAID rules and regulations. Must be able to negotiate sensitive issues with other team members, other USG agency officials, GOR officials and other partners, to analyze and solve difficult problems related to program formulation and implementation. Must be able to review and appraise quality of reports and evaluations, and technical services procured by USAID. Must be able to provide rapid independent analysis of problems, issues, and opportunities as they arise, and make recommendations to senior management. Considerable reliance is placed by Mission management on the judgment of the incumbent to make critical program decisions. 11. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Must provide consistent and credible representation of USAID to high level USG, GOR, donor, and other partner contacts and coordination bodies for technical, policy and program management issues. Will have frequent contacts with high level officials of MOH and other partners to define and/or reorient strategies, discuss health policy, and translate policy into program action. Negotiates with MOH and other partners at National Program Director level on design, implementation, and monitoring of Mission funded activities. Represents USAID to multi lateral donor coordination bodies and in defining donor technical, policy and program agenda with MOH and other Ministries. Interacts on a regular basis with a wide range of PVOs/NGOs and other development organizations. EVALUATION FACTORS: 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. A. Work Experience (40 points): • A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in HIV/AIDS program design and management, including experience in relevant public health or HIV/AIDS programs. B. Abilities and Skills (50 points): • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and computer skills. • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to proactively build consensus. • Demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with multiple U.S. and host country government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and the private sector. C. Education (10 points): • A Masters degree in international development, social sciences, Public Health or other relevant field; 13. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary security and health clearances are obtained. 14. POINT OF CONTACT: Colette Munyakazi at cmunyakazi@usaid.gov and Robert Kiberu at rkiberu@usaid.gov. 15. HOW TO APPLY: Applicants are required to address each of the above Selection Criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email, cover letter and any other attached pages. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for interviews. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Applications received after the date and time shall be considered late and shall be considered at the discretion of the Government. We suggest you confirm that all documents submitted were received prior to closing date and time of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicant's network are not acceptable reasons for late submission as applicants have the option of sending hard copy via courier. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT: A US Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices). Applicants are also required to forward a 1) resume or curriculum vitae, 2) a brief annex to the resume or curriculum vitae that demonstrates how prior education, experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation factors by which applicants will be initially ranked, and 3) a brief writing sample, containing the following information: 1. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held). 2. Applicants are required to address each of the Selection Criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to the selection criteria described in the selection criteria section of this solicitation. 3. Applicants are required to provide a three to five page writing sample as part of their application to demonstrate their written English language ability. The writing sample may be an excerpt of a larger work and need not be specifically written for this solicitation. 4. Work Experience: Provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if Federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if the USG may contact your current supervisor. 5. Education: Colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours). 6. References: Applicants are required to provide three professional references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. 7. Statement of Availability: A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. 8. Applications must be submitted by email, US Post, DHL, FedEx or other international courier by the closing time and date to: USAID/Rwanda - Executive Office: 2657, Avenue de la Gendarmerie - Kacyiru B.P 2848 Kigali, Rwanda (Solicitation # SOL-696-S-10-000004) Fax Number: 250-596442 E-mail Address: cmunyakazi@usaid.gov (Colette Munyakazi) or rkiberu@usaid.gov (Robert Kiberu) with copies: hlinganwa@usaid.gov (Hadiza Linganwa). The subject line should read "Solicitation No. SOL-696-S-10-000004. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622 Forms). ** 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). ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. - Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622): Upon notification of eligibility as USPSC you will have two (2) weeks to submit your completed Medical Forms in accordance with the instructions in Attachment A of subject forms. NOTE: (DS 1843 and DS 1622) STATE/MED is committed to processing all USPSC medical clearances within 30 days of receipt, except when additional medical testing is required. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES The position is open to U.S. Citizens and to Third Country Nationals (TCNs). The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance and appropriate Medical Clearance from STATE/MED. The selected applicant must obtain these clearances prior to departure for post. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/businessopportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. 17. BENEFITS, ALLOWANCES AND PAYMENT OF TAXES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1) BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual and Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Cost of Travel to/from Post Shipment of Unaccompanied Baggage Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) 2) ALLOWANCES (if applicable, as found in the Standardize Regulations for Government Civilians Foreign Areas): Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Educational Allowance (Section 270) Educational Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and Danger Pay (Section 650) FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA and Medicare.
Web Link: FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/RWA/SOL-696-10-000004/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: USAID/Rwanda - Executive Office:, 2657, Avenue de la Gendarmerie - Kacyiru, B.P 2848, Kigali, Rwanda, (Solicitation # SOL-696-S-10-000004), KIGALI, Rwanda
Record: SN02104915-W 20100328/100327000026-fc4544a7aece064fee7089f257763590 (fbodaily.com)
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R -- Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor