Project Management Specialist (Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition and Family Planning [MCHN-FP]), FSN-11 Equivalent

Description

• The Project Management Specialist Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition and Family Planning (MCHN-FP) facilitates communication and ensures collaborative working relationships with high-level decision makers, as well as technical staff, in the Ministry of Health, USAID Missions, USAID/Washington counterparts, with other government entities, and with other donors, development partners and non-governmental organizations working in the health sector. The Specialist delivers analytical and technical assistance services to other bilateral/multilateral agencies, cooperating-country government and civil society in developing and implementing policies and programs based on best practices and innovations in MCHN-FP. Representing the U.S. Government, the jobholder participates on national technical working groups and builds alliances with External Development partners and provides essential communication and liaison within USAID offices and with other USG agencies
• The jobholder provides senior-level programmatic and technical guidance to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of maternal and child health, nutrition and family planning practices and principles, with broad experience working with national stakeholders including government, professional associations, and faith-based organizations. The jobholder provides strategic and technical guidance in the design and implementation of USAID family health activities in the cooperating-country. The Specialist has an understanding of global health issues, as well as the entire USAID/USG health portfolio, and serves as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or Activity Manager for selected programs/projects/activities. As an AOR/COR, the Specialist monitors program performance and progress, identifies implementation achievements as well as problems in performance, and initiates appropriate actions in consultation with his/her supervisor, other team staff, and/or the Deputy and Office Director, as appropriate
• The Specialist is a key member of the Health Office, Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths Division (PCMD) Team. The jobholder reports to the PCMD Division Chief and has no formal supervisory responsibility
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Project Management Specialist (Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition and Family Planning [MCHN-FP]), FSN-11 Equivalent
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers
• SOLICITATION NO.: 72065624R10007 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Section, email at Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• MARKET VALUE: USD 59.111 – USD 82.761 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11 (Step1-12). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value
• PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about August 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: August 2024 – August 2025
• Option Period 1: August 2025 – August 2029
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:
• USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.acquisition.gov/aidar/aidar-appendix-j-direct-usaid-contracts-cooperating-country-national-and-third-country-national-personal-services-abroad and revised AIDAR Appendix J, General Provision contract clauses (GPs) titled “Leave and Holidays” (AAPD 20-08)
• 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) QUANTITY
• (C) UNIT
• (D) UNIT PRICE
• (E) AMOUNT
• (F) 0001
• Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: LOT $ _TBD__$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001 Option Period 1 –  Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
• 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
• 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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman
• The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application

Duties

Program/Project/Activity Management

• Serve as Contracting or Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) or Activity Manager for the Mission’s MCHN-FP activities, including: reviewing and approving annual implementing partners (IPs) work plans, facilitating IP relationships and coordinating with local stakeholders (e.g. other IPs, cooperating country-government counterparts, non-governmental organizations, other donors, etc.) maintaining a schedule for and conducting regular site visits to review program implementation and meeting with beneficiaries, and based on the information collected during such visits, adjusting or recommending adjustments to programs/projects/activities as appropriate; overseeing IPs compliance with bilateral government agreements, and with performance expectations; ensuring IPs are in compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures, communicating regularly with IPs regarding USAID rules and regulations as well as their obligations to USAID; and taking a lead role in the preparation of the strategic and operational planning processes such as the USAID Country Development Cooperation Strategy and USAID Operational Plan. Keep the Team Lead regularly informed of program implementation progress, results, and issues/problems on a timely basis
• Participate in the design of project mechanisms and activities for improved health service delivery or the enabling environment for MCHN-FP
• Ensure that sub-partners (sub-awards and sub-contracts) are given appropriate monitoring and oversight

Technical and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a senior-level technical resource on MCHN-FP, providing high level technical guidance to the Mission, the National Government, and other development partners
• Provide strategic and technical guidance and input on MCHN-FP activities and ensure that activities are appropriately integrated with Health Office and larger Mission activities
• Provide technical assistance and oversight to IPs, and to sub-partners where appropriate, to ensure that the MCHN-FP activities are carried out in alignment with approved work plans, all applicable USAID and Global Health policies and guidelines, Health Office and USAID Mission guidance and priorities, national guidelines and global best practices
• Stay abreast of state-of-the-art knowledge on programming and coordinate exchanges and sharing of best practices among USAID, USG and other stakeholders to strengthen MCHN-FP approaches. Advise accordingly on how these policies and strategies can most effectively be incorporated to enhance USAID’s approaches
• In collaboration with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning colleagues participate in the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools to support measuring the impact and outcomes of MCHN-FP activities
• Provide technical guidance in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports and other ad hoc requests for information
• Identify short-term technical assistance (STTA) needs and ensure that objectives and outcomes of the STTA are consistent with and support the furtherance of the Mission MCHN-FP portfolio
• Organize site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from USAID Headquarters (HQ), Department of State, other agencies and Congress

Representation and Reporting

• Represent USAID at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition and Family Planning, including regular participation in national level technical working groups, professional associations, and related committees
• As a member of the Health Team, respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements including responding to requests for information from HQ and Congress
• As requested by the Mission Director, Health Office Director and/or Unit Leader, represent USAID at meetings outside of the MCHN-FP field when needed
• Establish strategic working relationships with senior MOH and other relevant Ministry officials at the national and district level, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, private sector health counterparts, and professional associations to enhance regular and timely sharing of information on issues related to private sector engagement, including changes in key policies, and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: The Specialist will report to the PMCD Division Chief in the Health Office in USAID. S/he is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities. S/he is expected to develop annual work objectives in consultation with his/her supervisor. The supervisor makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available. Completed work is reviewed in terms of achievement of program/project/activity goals, effectiveness in meeting cooperating country and USAID objectives, and integration with other initiatives in the Office and Mission portfolio. Some technical direction may come from other professionals in the Office; in general, however, the Specialist will be expected to exercise considerable autonomy and best judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment
• Supervision Exercised: Continuing supervision of other Division and Office staff is not anticipated
• Available Guidelines: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs); Office of Procurement Acquisition Memorandum (OPAMS); U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Circulars and Controller General Decisions, USAID Mission Orders, Project Papers, Mission Strategy, and other documents available, USAID policies and procedures, Technical Documents and Policy Papers
• The jobholder is required to understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures that govern project activity management in addition to administrative operating procedures, policies and formats established by the Department of State
• The jobholder will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect MCHN-FP programming
• Exercise of Judgment: The jobholder will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in representing USAID and in providing guidance to Mission staff, government officials and implementing partners. Substantial reliance will be placed on the jobholder to independently plan, prioritize and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. The jobholder will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues) to advance the Mission’s objectives. The use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and teamwork is expected of the jobholder to resolve challenges for which there are no clear or immediate solutions. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the jobholder will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment, making independent decisions that can be defended as necessary and seeking input when appropriate
• Authority to Make Commitments: When fully designated as AOR/COR or Activity Manager, s/he will have full authority and responsibility as delegated by ADS, Mission, and USAID guidelines. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and professional standing in his/her field, substantial weight will be given to his/her recommendations while commitments are made by those with the authority to do so
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The jobholder occupies a high profile and important position in the Mission. S/he represents USAID in engagements with high levels of a variety of cooperating-country government officials, including but not limited to Ministry of Health officials at the district, provincial and national levels, donors, private and non-governmental organizations, and provides policy recommendations as well as strategic and programmatic advice to senior USAID and US Government officials, other donors, and implementing partners. S/he is required to establish and maintain professional contacts/relationships with senior officials and leaders of private and nongovernmental sector institutions that partner on MCHN-FP activities and to seek to leverage funding. Internally, the jobholder has routine and frequent contact with senior officials of the other members of the USAID Mission, personnel at the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington and other USG agencies such as the CDC, partnering organizations, institutional contractors and consultants
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures, regulations, and methods. Formal AOR/COR training is required for successful performance in the position and will be provided. Appropriate training courses will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds

Requisites

• Education: Master’s degree or local equivalent from an accredited program in Public Health, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Organizational Development, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Nutrition
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in MCHN-FP. Prior experience working with or for bilateral or multilateral donors/stakeholders such as the World Bank, the Global Fund, UN agencies, or public/private sector projects and ensuring compliance with U.S. Government rules and regulations
• Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in both oral and written English is required
• Job Knowledge: Senior-level knowledge and understanding of MCHN-FP approaches and interventions. Demonstrated senior-level knowledge of the overall health sector context as well as the key aspects of US Government foreign assistance to the country. Working knowledge of USG and/or USAID’s strategic direction, its chief accomplishments and its challenges
• Skills and Abilities: The jobholder must possess strong technical and analytical skills in maternal/newborn/child health and nutrition and family planning. The jobholder must possess strong skills in communication, advocacy and networking. S/he must have strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operational plans and results
• This position requires an outstanding ability to exercise flexibility to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. The jobholder must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing. S/he exercises individual judgement in his/her roles. S/he takes initiative and offers leadership in reviewing the progress of programs and projects under his/her responsibility, including performance reports, pipeline management, program implementation reviews, as well as fulfilling other USAID and USG reporting requirements. S/he demonstrates timely decision-making ability and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, using diplomacy and tact

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

The following evaluation factors are established

• Education: 10 points
• Prior Work Experience: 25 points
• Job Knowledge 30 points
• Skills and Abilities: 30 points
• Language Proficiency: 5 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Any application received in Portuguese will not be considered. Only English applications will be considered
• 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
• Per this scoring Skills and Abilities and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, Language Proficiency and Education. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered. Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test. Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov