Vacancy

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID)
United States Government (USG) HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator - LESOTHO

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (PSC)

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 674-08-0017                                                       
                       
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 6 March 2008

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 
26 March 2008, 17:00 local time, Pretoria, South Africa

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION: GS-13: $68,625 - $89,217 or
GS-14: $81,093 - $108 per annum (depending upon qualifications).

The salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history.  The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.  If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Lesotho (currently set at 10% of base pay) and, housing, international travel, shipment benefits and education allowances.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  Two years. 

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:  Maseru, Lesotho.

8. SECURITY ACCESS:  Secret.

9. JOB DESCRIPTION:                            

A. Position Title: United States Government (USG) HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator

B. Organizational Location of the Position: U.S. Embassy, Maseru, Lesotho

C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor:    USAID Regional HIV/AIDS Program Office Chief, Pretoria, South Africa

D. Supervisory and Administrative Controls

The PEPFAR Coordinator will work under the leadership and day to day oversight of the Ambassador/DCM, as part of the USG HIV/AIDS Team in Lesotho. The Ambassador/DCM also shall have a leading role in evaluating the performance of the PEPFAR Coordinator position. Given that the PEPFAR Coordinator will be based in the US Embassy, time and attendance forms will be approved by the DCM.

In accordance with USAID rules and regulations governing USAID programs and operations, USAID shall administer most administrative and human resource requirements of the PEPFAR Coordinator, including but not limited to, payroll, personnel files, managing the USAID contractor evaluation process, and any required formal approval of travel. The USAID RHAP Office Chief will be the overall supervising officer for purposes of the USAID PSC contract with the PEPFAR Coordinator, with the understanding that the Ambassador/DCM shall provide day to day oversight.

E. Introduction and Background: 

Lesotho is experiencing one of the most severe HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world, affecting both urban and rural areas with equal ferocity.  With the third highest HIV prevalence rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, UNAIDS (2004) estimates that 28.9% of adults 15-49 years of age are infected with HIV.  This agrees with the 27.8 HIV prevalence rate among young pregnant women (15-24) in the capital city.  The estimated number of orphans due to AIDS living in Lesotho in 2003 is 100,000 (up from 68,000 in 2001).  With so many persons of productive age infected with HIV, the epidemic is not only a severe health crisis, but also a threat to the future development and economic viability of Lesotho as a nation. 

An estimated 320,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS including approximately 22,000 children between the ages of 0-14 years and 56,000 people in need of anti-retroviral treatment.  HIV prevalence is 14.4 percent among young women between the ages of 15-19 and suggests very high rates of new HIV infection.  The vast majority of new HIV infections can be attributed to a high prevalence of multiple, concurrent sexual partnerships.  Intergenerational sex, high mobility, and early ages of sexual debut for both young men and women may also contribute substantially to HIV transmission.

Although Lesotho is not among the 15 focus countries designated by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the overwhelming magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Lesotho and its impact on neighboring countries merits concern and enhanced USG assistance.  The Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) is working closely with key USG agencies to address this situation.  Currently, the implementing USG agencies in country include the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Southern Africa Regional HIV/AIDS Program (RHAP) the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC) Southern Africa Regional Program and U.S. Peace Corps.  Over the past two years the USG has significantly increased HIV/AIDS funding for Lesotho.

F. Basic Functions:

The incumbent is designated by the Chief of Mission (Ambassador) or his/her designate, to serve as principal point of contact and coordinator of activities related to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (the Emergency Plan / PEPFAR) in Lesotho.
The HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator will work closely with all USG agencies involved in HIV/AIDS programming in Lesotho and will contribute to Lesotho’s HIV/AIDS national strategy, facilitating a coordinated USG HIV/AIDS response in collaboration with other donor groups and implementing partners in country.

G. Duties and Responsibilities: 

General
The HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator will have responsibilities across a range of areas including to:
·  Serve as the Ambassador’s and the Deputy Chief of Mission’s principal advisor on HIV/AIDS and developments in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
·  Serve as USG HIV/AIDS program coordinator in country, interacting with multilateral agencies, the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), NGOs and other key stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS programming.
·  Actively foster and facilitate USG interagency collaboration and cooperation.
·  Provide communication between all USG-supported HIV/AIDs activities in Lesotho carried out by USAID, CDC, DOD, DOL, Peace Corps and Department of State.
·  Coordinate, facilitate and document monthly USG HIV/AIDS Task Force meetings and other actions required to implement a coordinated HIV/AIDS program.
·  As permitted by the workload of assigned responsibilities and as requested in coordination with the Ambassador and the USG team, limited additional coordination and implementation responsibilities with the National AIDS Commission (NAC), the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), and other relevant Ministries.

Program Development
·  Lead in development and implementation of USG coordinated Program Strategy, progress reports, an annual Operational Plan and all other associated reports.
·  Draft, oversee, and coordinate Emergency Plan reports and serve as liaison to OGAC and USG implementing agencies.
·  Monitor and coordinate U.S. agency activities to ensure complementarity and compatibility with Congressional and OGAC mandates.
·  Act as point of contact for all Emergency Plan and HIV/AIDS activities in Lesotho.
·  Act as point of contact for temporary duty (TDY) visitors, congressional delegations (CODELS) and other visitors relating to HIV/AIDS activities.
·  Promote information exchange with partners, regional institutions, the Global Fund and other international organizations, relevant networks about effective program implementation practices and other shared concerns.
·  Assist USG Task Force in monitoring and evaluating the outputs and impact of HIV/AIDS USG supported activities.
·  Serve as chief point of contact for the USG HIV/AIDS program for the GOL, other donors, multilateral organizations and other current or potential stakeholders.
·  Provide USG representation on national level bodies including (but not limited to) the CCM, the Expanded UNTG, the HIV/AIDS Partners Forum (NAC), the Health Partners Forum and others; provide technical input to those bodies as needed.
·  Play a lead role in recognizing opportunities for and gaps in the USG program by synthesizing the technical inputs of other stakeholders and bringing these ideas to the Task Force.
·  Play a lead role in creating linkages among USG implementing partners and between USG and other implementing partners.
·  Assist the Task Force to create a system for in-country financial tracking of the overall PEPFAR budget for Lesotho including current and planned procurements, expenditures and pipelines.
·  Serve as initial POC for new partners and assist in making appropriate introductions to GOL.
·  Convene weekly meetings of in-country team to brief one another on past, current and future activities and developments.

External Relations
·  Foster and facilitate active collaboration and coordination on HIV/AIDS activities with relevant governmental ministries, implementing partners, the donor community, and key stakeholders.
·  Serve as representative and liaison with the host country government, other donors and USG implementing partners for coordination, information sharing and other issues related specifically to the Emergency Plan.

H. Qualifications:

The following are REQUIRED:

To Qualify for a GS-13, the following are the minimum requirements:
1.An undergraduate degree(s) in public health, nursing, medicine or other relevant field in international health or public policy.
2.Minimum of four years experience in international public health programming and/or implementation.
3.Minimum of two years experience working in technical oversight, design and implementation of HIV/AIDS programs in developing countries.

To Qualify for a GS-14, the following are minimum requirements:
1.A graduate degree(s) in public health, nursing, medicine or other relevant field           in international health or public policy.
2.Minimum of seven years experience in international public health          programming and/or implementation.
3.Minimum of four years experience working in technical oversight, design and             implementation of HIV/AIDS programs in developing countries.

I. Available Guidelines:The incumbent is required to understand Mission and Agency‑specific policies and procedures which govern project activity management in addition to State established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. Oral guidance from the immediate Supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments.  The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall EP initiative and keeping abreast of evolving development on HIV/AIDS issues in Lesotho.

J. Exercise of Judgment:In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will use her/his own personal, well‑informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems.  Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USG Lesotho and representatives from donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution.

K. Authority to Make Commitments:The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

L. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:The incumbent will be required to maintain solid working relationships with U.S. Embassy, USAID RHAP, U.S. Peace Corps, CDC, DOL and DoD to function effectively. The incumbent will be required to work closely with OGAC in Washington, Lesotho USG Interagency Task Force, foundations, NGOs, other foreign donor institutions (i.e. WHO, DFID, JICA, etc.) and other local and international groups.

M. Other Requirements:In addition, the incumbent must also be:

1) A U.S. Citizen;
2) Able to obtain US Government medical and security clearances; 
3) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

N. Selection Criteria:  Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks.  Following are the evaluation criteria for this position for a total of 100 points: 

I. EDUCATION (20 points):  
           a. A degree(s) in public health, nursing, medicine or other relevant training in international health or public policy.

II. WORK EXPERIENCE (30 points): 
            a. Experience in international public health programming and/or implementation.
            b. Experience working in technical oversight, design and implementation of HIV/AIDS programs in developing countries. 
            c. Prior work experience in Southern Africa would be advantageous.

III. ABILITIES AND SKILLS (50 points): 
            a. Excellent management, coordination, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
            b. Demonstrated judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints.
            c. Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
            d. Familiarity with USAID and/or USG systems and implementation mechanisms.
            e. Experience in operating effectively in cross-cultural environment and working within interagency setting.

O. Selection Process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria.  Applications from candidates which do not meet the minimum educational and work experience requirements will not be scored.  As part of the selection process, final candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at the US Ambassador’s discretion.  Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter.  The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by the interview committee with respect to their applications.  The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). 

P. Applying

For applicants to be considered for this position, the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

A. Marking Applications:  To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.
 
B. CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.  Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria.  Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.  Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

C. Form OF-612: The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612.  Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http:/www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices. ; and,

D. References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts.  The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities.  Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists.  If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter.  The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. 

E. Required Forms for PSCs: The following forms shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.  Additional forms may be required at the time the selection process is completed.

Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)
Questionnaire for the Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or
Questionnaire for Non-sensitive Positions (SF-85)
Fingerprint card

F. Late Submissions:  Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information.

Q. Security and medical clearances

A. Medical Clearance:  Prior to signing a contract, for all assignments outside of the United States the contractor shall be required to be examined by a licensed doctor of medicine, and the contractor shall obtain from the doctor a statement of medical opinion that, in the doctor’s opinion, the contractor is physically able to engage in the type of activity for which he/she is to be employed under the contract, and the contractor and any dependents are physically able to reside in the Cooperating Country. During the initial contract, the contractor maybe required to obtain a medical clearance from a medical doctor or waiver, through the Dept. of State, Office of Medical Clearances, for the country of performance specified, if the contract is to extend beyond 60 days.  Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. 

B. Security Clearance:  Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a security clearance through the USAID Office of Security.  A temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted for the required level of clearance.  Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

R. REGULATIONS/Benefits/Allowances

A. USAID Regulations:

1. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs):  CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site – http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.

2. AIDAR:  The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.

B. Benefits, Allowances and U.S. Taxes: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed):

1. Benefits:
            a. Employee’s FICA Contribution
            b. Annual Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance
                        i. 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $4,575 for a
                        family and $2,050 for an employee without dependents
                        ii. 50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $500
            c. Pay Comparability Adjustment - - Annual across the board salary increase                         for USG employees and USPSCs
            d. Worker’s Compensation
            e. Vacation and Sick Leave (IF the contract is longer than 90 days, the following benefits will be afforded and be made retroactive):
                        i. Vacation Leave is based on years as a USPSC with USAID and
                        USG Employment including the US Military:
                                    0 – 3 Years    =  4 hours every two weeks
                                    3 – 15 Years  =  6 hours every two weeks
                                    15+ Years      =  8 hours every two weeks
                        ii. Sick leave is 4 hours every two weeks
            f. Access to Health Unit if employee and/or dependents are medically cleared
                        to serve at post of assignment
 
2. Allowances * (If Applicable):
            a. Post Differential (Section 500)
            b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
            c. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
            d. Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)
            e. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
            f. Payment During Evacuation (Section 600)
            g. Education Allowance (Section 270)
            h. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
            i. Danger Pay (Section 650)
            j. Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Dept of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

3. In-Kind Allowances
            The USG may provide the following in-kind allowances for off-shore hire USPSCs, on par with US Direct Hires at the same location, in lieu of some allowances in paragraph “2. Allowances* (If Applicable)” above:
            a. Housing
            b. Furniture
            c. Appliances
            d. Furnishings (drapes/blinds, rugs, lights, etc.)
            e. Utilities
            f. Guard Services for Residence

4. Federal and State Taxes:
            a. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes and will be withheld from compensation payments.
            b. State Taxes: USAID does not withhold state taxes from compensation payments.  State taxes are solely between the employee and the employee’s state of official residence.

END OF SOLICITATION