GENERAL INFORMATION
SOLICITATION NO.: 72066922R00005
ISSUANCE DATE: December 17, 2021
CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 16, 2022, 5:30 pm Local Time, Monrovia, Liberia
POINT OF CONTACT: Marc Griego, EXO and Pheta Morris, HR Specialist, email at LiberiaHR@usaid.gov.
POSITION TITLE: President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Senior Advisor
MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($93,907 - $122,077) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For two years, with three - additional one-year options for a total of five years, estimated to start on 07/01/2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for a period for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:
The base period will be 07/01/2022 – 07/01/2024, estimated to start on 07/01/2022.
Base Period:
07/01/2022 - 07/01/2024
Option Period 1:
07/01/2024 - 07/01/2025
Option Period 2:
07/01/2025 - 07/01/2026
Option Period 3:
07/01/2026 - 07/01/2027
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens, Permanent Residents/ Resident Aliens, and Third Country Nationals. Applicant must:
Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER.
Be able to obtain facility access authorization.
Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.
Note: Although open to both U.S. and TCN candidates, preference will be given to offers received from U.S. candidates, and TCN offerors will only be considered if there are no qualified U.S. candidates available.
SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access. The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.
STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
BACKGROUND:
USAID/Liberia works closely with the Government of Liberia (GOL) and aligns its health sector assistance with the country’s priorities and goals. The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), implemented by USAID and CDC, is a major component of the U.S. Government’s support to Liberia’s health sector. With annual funding of $14 million, PMI comprises nearly one quarter of USAID/Liberia’s total health assistance annually. PMI funds a robust program in the country comprising prevention through routine distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), prevention of malaria in pregnancy, behavior change communications, entomological monitoring, case management, pharmaceutical procurement and distribution, and health systems strengthening. This work is implemented through direct financing to the Ministry of Health to manage and support service-delivery, and non-governmental implementing partners who provide technical assistance and support in key areas including supply chain, monitoring and evaluation, entomology, drug quality testing, and program management.
PMI and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM, or the Global Fund) are the two largest donors supporting Liberia’s malaria program, and furthermore, USAID is also a direct contributor and provides technical support to the Global Fund. Accordingly, PMI has a unique role in advising the GOL on implementation of its National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), as well as PMI-related health system strengthening. Management of PMI’s program in-country relies heavily on the technical and managerial expertise provided by two Resident Advisors, one USAID, and one CDC. The PMI/USAID Resident Advisor (RA) plays a central role in advising USAID Mission leadership on the in-country PMI and GOL counterparts regarding overall management of PMIs investment in the country. These two RAs are joined by a locally-hired Malaria Advisor.
I. OVERVIEW
Under the general direction of the USAID/Liberia Mission Director and the USAID/Liberia Health Office Director, and in close working collaboration with the PMI team, the PMI/USAID RA shall provide leadership, guidance and overall direction on the development and execution of the PMI program in Liberia. Responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration with counterparts in the Liberia National Malaria Control Program and other government ministries and agencies, as well as in a wide range of civil society and private organizations, other donor and international organizations, and other United States Government (USG) entities working in malaria prevention and control. The PMI/USAID RA shall exercise extensive independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in representing USAID in critical technical and policy forums, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. The PMI/USAID RA will also perform inherently governmental functions such as officially representing USAID at functions and to Government of Liberia (GOL) counterparts; approving policy documents; managing contracts and grants; budgeting; and developing planning documents and work plans. The PMI/USAID RA will be an integral part of the USAID/Liberia Mission Health Office.
The PMI/USAID RA will focus on PMI-related program management and partner relationships, programs such as building MOH capacity in PMI-related health/management information systems, laboratory capacity and disease surveillance, training and human resources capacity for delivery of essential health services, particularly related to the diagnosis, treatment, and control of malaria.
II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The PMI/USAID Resident Advisor works in collaboration with the PMI/CDC Resident Advisor and the additional Malaria Advisor. The incumbent works under the general PMI guidance and the day-to-day direction of the USAID Health Office Director or his/her designee, who shall oversee the planning, implementing, and monitoring of the PMI program in-country. Under the guidance and direction of the USAID Health Office Director, the PMI/USAID RA liaises with backstops for the PMI in USAID Washington. In addition, the PMI/USAID RA, may, from time-to-time be requested by the USAID Health Office Director and/or the USAID Mission Director to represent PMI/USAID/Liberia on various national and international technical and policy forums, as appropriate. The PMI\USAID RA shall carry out both technical and managerial duties in the following areas:
TECHNICAL DUTIES (60% total)
Program Management
The PMI/USAID RA, working in collaboration with the NMCP and PMI staff in the U.S., will be responsible for developing annual work plans in line with PMI objectives and goals. This will include but is not limited to case management of malaria in health facilities and at the community level, distribution of LLINs through health facilities, large-scale campaigns, and the private sector, intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women, entomologic monitoring, and developing information, education and communications materials to promote the use of these interventions. The PMI/USAID RA is expected to spend approximately 50% of his/her time at the NMCP or with the NMCP and partners out in the field providing technical guidance and support to the implementation of malaria control program efforts in Liberia.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of the PMI. The PMI/USAID RA shall be responsible for working with the PMI team to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan in line with PMI targets, as well as ensure that PMI partners develop project monitoring plans and report in a timely manner on their activities. It is also expected that the PMI/USAID RA shall provide expert advice and practical experience in helping the MOH, the NMCP and other partners to monitor inputs and outcomes, and how to carry out interventions. As an integral part of the USAID Office of Health team, the PMI/USAID RA will be responsible for monitoring reports as may be requested by USAID Mission management, and make major contributions to an annual country report on PMI activities.
MANAGERIAL DUTIES (40% total)
Management of Activity Implementation
The PMI/USAID RA, in collaboration with the NMCP, will be responsible for overseeing the management of USAID-supported activities and projects being implemented under the PMI. This includes but is not limited to malaria prevention and control activities such as behavior change and communication activities, bed net purchase and distribution through the existing health services and at the community level, antimalarial drug purchase and distribution through the existing health services, IPT coverage and the diagnosis and treatment of acute malaria, and the entomologic monitoring conducted under the initiative. The PMI/USAID RA, in collaboration with the PMI team, will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all PMI activities. The PMI/USAID RA shall manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices.
Partner Relationships
Successful performance in this position depends upon establishing and maintaining productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, the MOH, county governments, World Bank, Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, other Donors, and NGOs dealing with issues focusing on malaria, The Advisor shall, therefore, develop and maintain relationships with these partners and stakeholders in order to effectively assure that all of USG PMI’s activities are complementary and enhance all other malaria activities being implemented in Liberia. The PMI/USAID RA will participate in meetings hosted by the NMCP on malaria and health systems strengthening, particularly efforts related to strengthening implementation of Liberia’s essential package of health services at the facility and community levels.
Coordination with Other PMI Personnel
The PMI/USAID RA will be required to communicate regularly and work jointly with other members of the USAID/Washington Global Health and Africa Bureaus, USAID/Liberia health team, and CDC Atlanta as well as CDC Liberia.
III. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The PMI/USAID RA must possess technical expertise in the area of malaria treatment, prevention and control and possess an understanding of the social, economic and cultural determinants and implications of malaria in Liberia and neighboring countries. The PMI/USAID RA will have the experience and skills required to help formulate the USG position on malaria and make important programmatic decisions as a key representative of the USAID/Liberia Mission. Specifically, the PMI/USAID RA will:
Collaborate with senior staff of the MOH, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), and other partners, such as the Global Fund (GF), WHO, UNICEF, World Bank (WB) and NGOs and FBOs, to design, plan and implement malaria prevention and control activities consistent with the malaria control coverage needs identified by the strategy and plans of the NMCP and PMI;
Ensure that all activities are consistent with internationally accepted best practices and relevant to the specific malaria epidemiology of Liberia and to health system conditions in the country;
Coordinate with other partners and support efforts to address malaria control delivery gaps and help build technical and managerial capacity within the NMCP at the national, district and lower levels;
Provide technical support to all partners and managerial support as needed during the designing and implementation phases of the project to ensure the quality of interventions supported and that programmatic targets are met;
After appropriate training and certification (if required), serve as activity manager or contract/agreement officer’s technical representative (A/COR) on USAID awarded instruments (e.g., grants, contracts).
Work with suppliers and partners to ensure that programmatic commodities are purchased in a timely and cost effective manner. Also, ensure that the absorptive capacity exists in implementation sites to receive, manage and distribute these items effectively;
Ensure that malaria activities are integrated into overall USAID-supported health activities to strengthen Liberia’s health system, and to coordinate these activities with the NMCP and other MOH departments and units to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps;
Ensure effective coordination between MOH departments related to malaria prevention and control in Liberia. These departments include MOH Senior Management, NMCP, Child Health, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Reproductive Health, Nutrition, School Health, Health Education and Promotion, Planning, and others as appropriate;
Work with the NMCP and other partners to develop and execute a monitoring and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing MOH systems and existing USG supported mechanisms. Carry out monitoring and evaluation visits to implementation sites to ascertain all quantitative and qualitative data is collected properly and ensure programmatic quality and value for money are maintained; and
Assist PMI team to ensure that financial and technical reports on the President’s Malaria Initiative in Liberia are prepared and submitted as required.
While the Advisor’s time will be dedicated to malaria- specific programming, up to 10% of the specialist’s time may be spent helping to advance USAID’s overall health agenda including participating in general USAID administrative tasks and activities such as attending staff meetings.
The USAID Health Office Director or her/his designee will provide overall supervision to the Senior Advisor; however, he/she will exercise independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, resolving problems and conflicts, and taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. While the PMI Senior Advisor will work with maximum independence in completing agreed-upon work objectives and carrying-out his/her responsibilities, s/he will keep his/her supervisor informed of problems and/or issues that arise that may affect the successful implementation of the PMI program in Liberia. At least once during each twelve-month cycle for the duration of the contract the PMI Senior Advisor will work with the Health Office Director or her/his designee to establish standards and performance measures upon which performance will be based. Once agreed upon, these work objectives and performance measures will be reviewed at least semi-annually and be revised as necessary to reflect changing circumstances. An evaluation of the incumbent will be completed annually and will serve as the basis for any personnel actions.
The PMI Senior Advisor will supervise one locally-hired malaria advisor. During the period of this contract, the U.S. or TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 100 hours of informal training, coaching and mentorship to one or more cooperating country nationals (CCN) designated by USAID.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:
Education: Minimum of a Master’s/Medical degree or higher in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution.
Work Experience: Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing, and managing communicable disease programs with a preference for experience with malaria or parasitic diseases and other health programs in developing countries. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment, are required.
III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.
SELECTION PROCESS:
After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.
Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills. On a supplement document included with the application package, applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor. The supplemental document should not exceed three (3) pages; any information beyond 3 pages will not be read. Applicants should describe specifically and accurately experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors will result in the applicant not receiving full credit for pertinent experience.
FACTOR #1: Describe your experience working in malaria control and how that experience and expertise can benefit the program in Liberia.
Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on the scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The Applicant rating System is as follows:
Evaluation Factors 30 points
Factor #1 30 points
Interview Performance 70 points
Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s ability to:
Perform the roles and responsibilities of the position as described above
Work effectively in a team
Quickly adjust to a challenging operational tempo
Communicate effectively
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100
IV. SUBMITTING OFFER
1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.
2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.
3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.
4. A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, not to exceed 3 pages.
5. A minimum of three (3) professional references with telephone and e-mail contacts, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor.
6. A supplemental document in Microsoft Word or PDF with a written response to the Evaluation Factors listed above not to exceed three (3) total pages for both Evaluation Factors.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:
Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)
Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or
Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
Fingerprint Card (FD-258)
VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC or TCNPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
1. BENEFITS:
(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution
(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment
(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)
(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation
(f) Annual and Sick Leave
2. ALLOWANCES:
Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations
(Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at
https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101
(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)
(b) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)
(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)
(d) Post Differential (Chapter 500)
(e) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
(f) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
(g) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)
(i) Education Allowance (Section 270)
(j) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
(k) Education Travel (Section 280)
VII. TAXES
USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.
TCNPSCs are responsible for their own tax payments in accordance with home country and host country laws. No deductions for tax purposes will be made by USAID.
VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
PERTAINING TO PSCs
USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:
1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “GeneralProvisions,” available ttps://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.
Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:
Item No
(A)
Services (Description)
(B)
Qty (C)
Unit (D)
Unit Price
(E)
Amt (F)
0001
Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s)
from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1
Lot
$ _TBD__
$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
1001
Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1
Lot
$ _TBD__
$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor
2001
Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1
Lot
$ _TBD_
$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor
3001
Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1
Lot
$ _TBD__
$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor
Total Estimated Cost [base + options]
$____
3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins
(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at
http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an
individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office
of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.
See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.
5. PSC Ombudsman
The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman
The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.
END OF SOLICITATION
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Ethiopia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.
