SOLICITATION NO: SOL-669-14-000012
ISSUANCE DATE: September 27, 2014
CLOSING DATE: October 24, 2014, 4:00 pm
LOCAL TIME

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Service Contractor (PSC) for
Malaria Advisor, USAID/Liberia

To All Interested Applicants

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency) and Third Country Nationals (TCN) to provide services as a Malaria Advisor under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position is Monrovia, Liberia.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to [email protected] and [email protected]. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered. USAID/Liberia will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

Any questions or comments regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to [email protected] and [email protected]. Applicant should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.

Sincerely,

Phillip M. Cherry
Supervisory Executive Officer
USAID/Liberia

ATTACHMENT 1: SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-669-14-000012

ISSUANCE DATE: September 27, 2014

CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 24, 2014, 4:00 pm Local Time

POSITION TITLE: Malaria Advisor, USAID/Liberia

MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent with a base annual salary range of $85,544 to $111,203. This does not include cost of living allowance (COLA), post differential or other allowances. Liberia currently provides a 30% COLA and 30% post differential in addition to base salary.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The contract will be for two years, with three renewable one-year option periods up to a maximum of five years.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency) and Third Country Nationals (TCN)

SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Contractor will report to the Health Development Officer

PHYSICAL & SECURITY CLEARANCE: The selected candidate must be able to obtain required medical and security clearances prior to the execution of the contract.

I. POSITION DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor/Program Manager shall provide leadership, guidance and overall direction on the development and execution of the PMI in collaboration with the PMI CDC Malaria Advisor in Liberia. The Contractor shall liaise with backstops for the PMI in USAID/Washington, counterparts in CDC Atlanta, and USAID personnel working within and overseeing the Mission's activities related to malaria control. These responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration with the counterparts in 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 Malaria Advisor/Program Manager shall exercise extensive independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in representing the USG in critical technical and policy forums, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. The Malaria Advisor/Program Manager 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 Malaria Advisor/Program Manager will be an integral part of the health team, and report directly to Health Team management in the USAID/Liberia Mission.
The incumbent 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, as well as have the experience and skills required to help formulate the USG position on malaria and make important policy decisions as a key representative of the USAID/Liberia Mission.
In addition, the Advisor shall spend up to 25% of his/her time on program management and partner relationships related to other relevant health issues and programs such as building the MOH capacity in 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 infectious diseases.
Specifically, the Advisor shall:
1. Collaborate with senior staff of the MOHSW's 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;

2. 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;

3. 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;

4. 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;

5. After appropriate training and certification (if required), serve as activity manager or contract/agreement officer's technical representative (COTR/AOTR) on USAID awarded instruments (e.g., grants, contracts).

6. 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;

7. 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 MOHSW departments and units to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps;

8. Assist the PMI administrative manager to ensure full accountability and value for money of funds provided by the President's Initiative on Malaria;

9. Assist the NMCP and Ministry of Health (MOH) in ensuring effective communication and coordination between Roll Back Malaria and Global Fund partners, including donor agencies and other stakeholders working on malaria control in Liberia;

10. Ensure effective coordination between MOHSW 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;

11. 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

12. Assist PMI administrative manager to ensure that financial and technical reports on the President's Malaria Initiative in Liberia are prepared and submitted as required.
13. While the majority (75%) of the specialists' time will be spent on malaria specific programming, approximately (25%) of the specialist's time will be devoted to other infectious diseases and health system strengthening as needed in the above areas 1 - 12.

II. OVERALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Malaria Advisor/Program Manager, in collaboration with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor, and under the direction of the USAID Health Office director or his/her designee, shall oversee the planning, implementing, and monitoring of the PMI Initiative. S/he shall work with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor as a team in liaising with backstops for the PMI in USAID Washington, counterparts in CDC Atlanta, CDC Malaria Advisor, USAID personnel working within and overseeing the Mission's activities related to malaria control and providing managerial and technical support to Liberia's NMCP Manager and the staff and helping to build capacity within the NMCP. In addition, the Malaria Advisor/ Program Manager shall represent USAID and the USG on various national and international technical and policy forums as appropriate.
Specifically, the Malaria Advisor shall provide:
1. Activity Development and Design (15%)
The incumbent, working in collaboration with the NMCP and PMI staff in the US, 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, indoor residual spraying, and developing information, education and communications materials to promote the use of these interventions.
2. Management of Activity Implementation (20%)
The incumbent, in collaboration with the NMCP, will be responsible for the 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, bednet 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 indoor residual spraying conducted under the initiative. The incumbent, in collaboration with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor, will also be responsible monitoring and reporting the results of all PMI activities. The Malaria Advisor/Program Manager shall manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices.
3. Partner Relationships (20%)
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 incumbent will participate in meetings hosted by the NMCP on malaria and health system strengthening, particularly efforts related to strengthening implementation of Liberia's essential package of health services at the facility and community levels.
4. Coordination with Other PMI Personnel (10%)
The incumbent 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.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (10%)

Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of the PMI. The Malaria Advisor/Program Manager shall be responsible for working with the PMI CDC Malaria Advisor developing a monitoring and evaluation plan in line with the 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 Senior Technical Advisor/Program Manager shall provide expert advice and practical experience in helping the MOH, the NMCP and other partners to monitor inputs and outcomes, progress towards RBM goals, and how to execute it jointly. S/he will be responsible for annual reporting of PMI activities, outcomes and inputs.

6. Other Health Issues and Related Programs, including HIV (25%)

The incumbent will design, manage and coordinate with partners on cross-cutting health programs and interventions, including infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola.

III. QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

1. Education (20%)

Have a graduate degree (Masters Degree or Medical Degree) in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications. Specialized experience in malaria or vector borne diseases is desirable in areas including but not limited to vector control, entomology, clinical case management of malaria, and epidemic surveillance and forecasting. Knowledge, skills and training in behavior change communication are also highly desirable.

2. Experience (45%)
The incumbent will have at least 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, with a preference given to candidates with African experience. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required. Preference will be given to those candidates with proven knowledge and experience with international, bilateral donor programs, procedures and systems for program design, procurement, implementation, management and monitoring.
The incumbent will also have the following:
(a) Analytical ability to interpret public policies and assist in the development of revised policies as required improving the policy environment related to malaria in Liberia.
(b) Management and administrative skills are required to develop and implement effective malaria prevention and treatment program activities involving financial and human resources. Administrative skills are required to assist in the oversight of cooperating agency technical advisors and institutional contractors.
(c) Skill in conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. The candidate must be able to integrate short and long range objectives of the USAID Health Team and the PMI with the cultural/organizational needs of the government.
(d) Knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods; experience in designing and evaluating malaria activities in Africa. The incumbent must have proven skills in capacity building and mentoring local staff in a developing country.
(e) Demonstrable skills are required in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing, administration, and management. Ability to navigate and manage politically sensitive issues related to malaria control/infectious diseases.

3. Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (20%)
Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The incumbent must have the following:
(a) Must be able to work effectively with a broad range of USG personnel and partners, and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is a must.

(b) Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical health information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters.
4. Language, Communication, and Computer Skills (15%)
The incumbent must have the following:
(a) Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely - both orally and in writing in English. Must have demonstrated ability to make sensitive and persuasive oral presentations to senior USG and Government of Liberia officials and other donors.
(b) Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members Ability to communicate technical information to health and non-health audiences. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.
(c) Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook, Access, SPSS and other statistical and other relevant software) are required for effectively operating in this position. Good computer skills are required to implement, analyze, and monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements, both program and impact.
II. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The contract will be for a base two years, with three subsequent one-year option periods for a total of five-year maximum period.
III. SALARY
This position is classified at the General Schedule Grade 14 equivalent range. The actual salary will depend on past salary history and experience of the successful candidate.
Past Performance/Professional Reference Checks
Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of all applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.
In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.

V. HOW TO APPLY
All applications packages are to be submitted to:

Sylvester Browne
Deputy Executive Specialist
USAID/Liberia
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.

A. Please send a completed and signed Optional Form 612 and curriculum vitae containing the following information. Optional Form OF 612 is available at the following website: http://federaljobs.net/forms.htm

1. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with Zip Code) day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2. Education: high school name, city and State (Zip code if known) date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name city and State (Zip code if known, majors, type and year of any degrees received;

3. Work Experience: give 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, employers name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

4. Other Qualifications: job-related training courses (title and year), job related skills; for example, other languages, computer software /hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job related certificates (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for examples, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking, and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

B. Application package must include all of the following:

1. A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate's qualifications meet the work requirements;
2. A curriculum vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements;
3. A completed and signed OF-612, please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail;
4. A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages;
5. Names, current and accurate contact numbers (e-mail and phone) of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant's abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation;
6. A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position;

All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete.

VIII. CLOSING DATE

Applications must be submitted no later than October 24, 2014, 4:00 pm Local Time.

ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations)

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an off-shore US/TCN PSC may authorized the following benefits (Note: an individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item 1. below):

1. BENEFITS
a. Employee's FICA Contribution
b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
c. Pay Comparability Adjustment
d. Annual Increase
e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
f. Annual & Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable) *
a. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
b. Housing (Section 130)
c. Post Allowance (Section 220)
d. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
e. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
f. Education Allowance (Section 270)
g. Education Travel (Section 280)
h. Post Differential (Chapter 500)
i. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized departure (Section 600), and
j. Danger Pay (Section 650)

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR US/TCN PSCs
1. Form OF-612
2. Physical Examination (Form DS-1843 and DS-1622)
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

NOTE: The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.