The USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) Family Health is expected to ensure leadership, continuity, and expert programmatic and technical guidance on a wide range of health systems areas. The incumbent will provide day-to-day support and oversight of the design and management for health systems and policy priorities. S/he will functionally oversee and track inputs across bilateral agreements, public-private partnership arrangements and buy-ins to USAID/Global Health mechanisms to ensure oversight and coordination of interventions within the health sector and horizontally with other development and private sector partners. The USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) Family Health is expected to serve as a lead Activity Manager for two or more awards. S/he plays a pivotal supporting role in the design of new activities, the procurement of new agreements, and representing USAID in national and donor
platforms in health systems strengthening, in areas including but not limited to family planning, maternal and child/neonatal health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition. This support includes family planning; maternal and child/neonatal health; nutrition; water,
sanitation and hygiene (WASH); policy work and private sector engagement. S/he serves as an expert on HSS, and provides day-to-day technical support to HPN on planning, design, implementation and monitoring of USAID’s HSS activities, including serving as an Activity
Manager or AOR/COR for two or more awards. S/he monitors program performance to identify implementation achievements and challenges; and provides appropriate recommendations in consultation with the Health Office Team and Mission Front Office in a complex and fastchanging health sector. The Specialist ensures collaborative working relationships within HPN, and provincial USAID health staff, and with other stakeholders and donors. S/he represents USAID on national and donor technical working groups on health systems issues and may
represent USAID to federal government and provincial government representatives.
2) Statement of duties to be performed
a. Program Management and Design 40%
The USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) - Family Health leads program management and design of national and provincial level health sector support focused on health systems strengthening in Pakistan. A critical aspect of the responsibilities will be to capitalize on USAID’s
comparative advantages, and to stay current with changes that will require frequent course correction in a rapidly changing context.
S/he will provide technical and programmatic leadership in the Health Office on a range of activities related to HSS to ensure technical integrity and cost-effectiveness of implementation approaches. S/he must have a keen understanding of program implementation approaches for building resilient health systems, promoting a strong regulatory environment for safe medical products and pharmaceuticals, developing and advocating for government and donor buy-in for
evidence-based policy reforms. The incumbent will provide technical support to ensure effective implementation of HPN’s private sector engagement activities to mobilize technical expertise and resources to address Pakistan’s public health priorities strategy.
S/he will provide programmatic support to the HPNs family planning, maternal and child/neonatal health, nutrition management activities, including routine monitoring and provision of regular updates in areas of public health emergencies, infectious diseases, and maternal and child health. S/he will coordinate and track technical assistance support and
facilitate joint annual reviews of activities and data quality assessments of indicators to manage data integrity, reliability, and accuracy.
The USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) - Family Health is expected to serve as an Activity Manager or AOR/COR for two HSS awards and provide support in the management and implementation of these HSS activities. The incumbent ensures monitoring and evaluation
systems are in place to capture implementing partner results and contributions to overall portfolio targets; reviews and provides feedback on all quarterly and annual work plans and technical documents for health systems strengthening activities; maintains detailed and
updated project management files for HSS activities; and conducts regular site visits to review program implementation and based on these visits, recommends adjustments to programs/projects/activities as appropriate. The Specialist participates fully in preparation of
the annual Operational Plan, the Performance Plan and Report, Resource Requests, and other required project documents and reports.
b. Monitoring, Communication and Logistical Support 40%
As the USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) - Family Health s/he will have primary responsibility for coordinating and conducting field monitoring of activities to oversee the performance of activities where s/he is serving as lead activity manager and technical focal point. S/he will track project/activity implementation progress to assure compliance with loan/grant agreements and implementation letters, and provincial government and contractor performance. The incumbent will also ensure quality of performance indicator data; arrange for
and oversee data quality assessments and/or verification reviews of data collection systems and information provided by the partners as part of her/his activity management responsibilities, in accordance with USAID policy guidance. The Specialist will also prepare periodic and special project implementation and other reports for the HPN leadership staff.
The incumbent will be responsible for communicating MNCH/FP and HSS strategies and policy updates. S/he will represent HPN’s priorities and activities in meetings and events with GOP, other stakeholders and development partners, and within the U.S. interagency space. The
Specialist will also be responsible for smooth execution of MNCH/FP and HSS communication activities and events, including accompanying delegations to sites. Responsibilities include assisting HPN leadership in preparing for and participating in field trips, public meetings, conferences, and negotiations with the federal and provincial governments, including event planning, managing field activities and logistics, serving as control officer for field site visits, and interpretation. S/he will also be responsible for initiating drafts for briefers and scene setters, and other communication materials.
c. Financial Management and Resource Management 20%
The USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) will conduct financial management of projects/activities as an Activity Manager for 2 projects. S/he will verify and provide recommendations to his/her supervisor to ensure that obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to action plans; ensure appropriate and timely incremental funding of
activities; and ensure program activities are in compliance with USAID financial regulations.
As the USAID Project Management Specialist (HSS) - Family Health, the incumbent must keep abreast of global, regional and country specific trends and issues for MNCH/FP and HSS. S/he
reviews and analyzes developments having implications for USAID health programs and provides updates to the HPN staff.
The CCN-PSC will be eligible for temporary duty travel to the United States, or to other missions, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID
policy.
3) Supervisory Relationship
Reports to the USAID Health Office Director or Deputy Health Office Director in USAID’s HPN Office. The incumbent operates independently, and the work is reviewed primarily in terms of results achieved. Incumbent sets priorities and fixes deadlines for job objectives in
consultation with USAID Project Management Specialist (Systems Strengthening).
4) Supervisory Controls
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
a. Education: Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) in social sciences (public health, international development, etc.) or related field is required.
Prior Work Experience: At least five (5) years of directly related professional experience in health development at program management levels in Government, NGOs, private sector, or another international donor/organization is required. Experience with successfully directing HSS activities is required.
c. Language Proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) English and local language proficiency (if appropriate), both oral and written, is required.
Only Offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.
SECURITY/FACILITIES ACCESS AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES: The ability to obtain the required security/facilities access and medical clearances in a reasonable time required for the position is considered a minimum qualification.
III.EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer (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.
All offerors meeting the minimum qualification required for this position have to appear in a English Language Proficiency Test in Section II above and if qualify the required Level IV, will be requested to undergo a written test. The test will assess “Knowledge” and “Skills and Abilities” selection factors detailed below.
The CO may establish a competitive range after the test reviews. Offerors in the competitive range (or all offerors who took the written test in case a competitive range is not established) will be invited for an oral interview. Offerors not included in the competitive range will be excluded from further consideration.
USAID will conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.
Selection Factors
Total points available: 100
a. EDUCATION: 5 points
The extent to which the education qualifications support the successful completion of the position responsibilities outlined in the Statement of Duties. Up to 5 points awarded based on the application review.
b. EXPERIENCE: 15 points
The extent to which the offeror demonstrates the following: relevant and direct progressively responsible work experience related to public health and health systems strengthening broadly, and specific expertise in family planning; maternal and child/neonatal health; nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); policy work and private sector engagement. Demonstrated experience with USG is desirable and
demonstrated experience with international public health organizations in managing high-level coordination and relationships across sectors with public sector entities, bilateral and multilateral donors and NGOs is required. Up to 15 points awarded based on the application review
a. KNOWLEDGE: 40 points
The extent to which the offeror demonstrates the following: comprehensive professional-level knowledge of a broad range of issues about public health and development, especially development principles related to HSS, family planning, maternal and child/neonatal health, nutrition, WASH, regulatory policies for human capacity development, and information systems. Comprehensive knowledge of the
structure, challenges and governance issues of the health sector in Pakistan, particularly devolution, is required. Familiarity with U.S. Government/USAID regulations and programming in the health sector is desired. The offeror must have a working knowledge of strategies, programs, and working methodologies of other development
partners (bilateral and multilateral) in the health sector in Pakistan. Knowledge of the structure and workings of the USG, including key agencies represented in Pakistan (State Department, USAID, Foreign Commercial Service, Public Diplomacy, etc.) is desirable.
Up to 15 points awarded for the written test and up to 25 points awarded for the oral
interview.
b. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 40 points
The extent to which the offeror has and/or demonstrates the following: expert technical skills in public health, particularly HSS, strong leadership and interpersonal skills to work in a team setting to accomplish program goals are required. Demonstrated
understanding of change management is desired. Ability to advise USAID Health and Mission leadership and other U.S. Government representatives on Pakistani developments and issues across a wide range of health systems strengthening, maternal, neonatal and child health, nutrition and WASH topics and their implications for USAID programs is required. Ability to conceptualize and articulate health strategies, design health programs, and organize, analyze, and interpret health sector data is required. Ability to effectively and clearly communicate complicated health systems policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing is required. Demonstrated experience in advocating for systems strengthening approaches to diverse stakeholders, ability to write in a clear, concise, and well-organized way along with excellent interpersonal, coordination, and communication skills are required. Ability to coordinate successfully with multiple government and non-government stakeholders to advance USAID health program priorities is required. Ability to handle sensitive issues
diplomatically, represent USAID diligently , and use good judgment in speaking on behalf of USAID in meetings with government, NGOs, and other donors and in conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., is required. Good organization management skills and experience contributing to very effective teamwork required.
Up to 15 points awarded for the written test and up to 25 points awarded for the oral interview.
IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER
1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer including all of the following documents:
a. Completed and signed DS-174 (application for Employment as Locally Employed Staff,
version 05-31-2019) which can be retrieved from the Embassy website:
https://pk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/jobs/usaid-open-vacancies/
Offerors must fill out the DS-174 thoroughly. Particular attention must be dedicated to:
Section 16: Offerors must indicate if any family member is working in the U.S. Mission Pakistan and, if so, in which section they are employed.
Section 20 - Work Experience: Offerors must include their current and all previous work experience including duties and responsibilities that may not be directly related to the subject position.
Section 23 - References: Offerors must provide three references. The reference details must include email address (under Address field) and active phone number.
b. Cover letter of no more than two (2) pages that demonstrates how the offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation and selection factors in
Section III. Excess pages
(beyond 2 pages) will neither be read nor considered.
c. A detailed CV covered all the relevant work experience of the applicant.
d. A hand-signed copy of Attachment 2, certifying that the Offeror possess the minimum education and experience qualifications for the position.
e. No TA/DA will be permissible for tests/interviews and in case of relocation.
Offerors who do not include all above required documents in their offer submission, or who do not sign the DS-174 (box 24) will not be considered for this position. Offerors who do not include all above required (a, b c and d) 4 (four) documents in their offer submission, or who do not hand-sign required documents, will not be considered for this position. All signatures must be hand signed .
2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified on the cover page of this solicitation, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 4.
3. Only shortlisted candidates that meet or exceed the minimum requirement will be contacted.
4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all Offeror-submitted documents.
5. Management will consider avoidance of nepotism and conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy in accordance with the Local Employment Handbook and Nepotism Policy.
6. Current U.S. Mission Pakistan employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply. (References: LE Handbook, Chapter 2.5.
7. Current U.S. Mission Pakistan employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report (EPR) and/or those who are currently on a Performance Improvement Plan are not eligible to apply. (References: Local Employment Recruitment Policy Guidebook, Application Review
Process, Part C, Overall Summary Rating in EPR)
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
Once the CO informs the successful offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO (or his/her designee) will provide the successful offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms.
Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract salary offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror.
VI.BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
The basis for CCN-PSC compensation is the LCP, which includes salary rates, authorized fringe benefits, and other pertinent facets of compensation such as health and life insurance, and retirement allowance. Participation in the U.S. Embassy Pakistan Provident Fund is mandatory.
Additional information will be provided to the selected offeror at time of salary offer.
The U.S. and Pakistan have worked together for more than 76 years on issues that are important to both nations. The USAID/Pakistan Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for 2023-2028 aims to make Pakistan stronger and more fairer. It focuses on helping people get better healthcare and education, making sure women can work and earn money, improving how the government works, and protecting people's rights. It also focuses on localization which will help the economy grow in a way that can handle problems like floods and other emergencies. The strategy has three main goals: making the economy stronger, making the government better, and making people healthier and smarter. In light of past disasters, particularly the significant floods of 2022, proactive measures are integrated to enhance disaster preparedness and response. Moreover, the strategy underscores the importance of addressing climate change and ensuring equitable opportunities for all, especially the youth. Ultimately, the CDCS seeks to catalyze Pakistan's growth trajectory and create a more equitable and prosperous society.
