USAID Development Assistance Specialist [Social and Behavior Change (SBC) and Community Engagement)]

Description

• Dear Prospective Offerors:
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• Offers must be in accordance with this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records
• USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in solicitation
• SOLICITATION NO.: 72065624R10020 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 61,522– USD 86,140 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 April 2025. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: April 2025 – April 2026
• Option Period 1: April 2026 – April 2030
• PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique, with possible travel
• ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a cooperating country citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Social and Behavior Change (SBC) and Community Engagement), located in the HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Global Health Security Division of the Integrated Health Office (IHO) is a senior professional and subject matter expert in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the full spectrum of SBC and Community Engagement activities with a focus on HIV/AIDS and TB programs
• The incumbent serves as the team’s senior advisor on HIV/AIDS and TB SBC and Community Engagement matters and as the lead of the SBC and Community Engagement unit. He/she will provide highly specialized technical assistance and oversight to the HIV/AIDS and TB Community portfolio, including provision of support to civil society organizations in performing community-oriented approaches for health promotion, prevention and treatment such as psychosocial support and mental health services, faith-based interventions, health literacy interventions, community led monitoring of health services and others. S/he will also focus on working with local organizations to strengthen their organizational capacity to deliver public health services and to engage with domestic sources of funding
• The Senior SBC and Community Engagement Specialist will have primary responsibility of supporting the Health Team’s PEPFAR SBC activities across the areas of HIV and Tuberculosis. He/she will also provide expert level support on SBC matters to other health programs including Malaria, Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Family Planning and Reproductive health (FP/RH), Global Health Security (GHS) and Nutrition. The Senior SBC Specialist will promote stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Aids Council (NAC) and other relevant Government institutions working on behavioral change and on community engagement impacting the health sector, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS and TB prevention and treatment
• The job holder is required to perform work-related travel
• Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• 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/ads/policy/300/aidar
• 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: 1 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: 1 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/resources_standards-of-conduct
• 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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

Duties

Technical and Strategic Leadership (60%)

• Oversee the SBC and Community portfolios and provide sound leadership and guidance to IHO on related matters
• Ensure technical and programmatic synergies among various activities supported by the Health Office, between the Health Office and other USAID technical offices, and between USAID and other development partners. This includes facilitating the exchange of technical information and identifying opportunities for partnerships to enhance SBC programming effectiveness in Mozambique
• Provide technical expertise in national-level technical, programmatic, and policy meetings and consultations with other donors, government officials, and Health Office implementing partners
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and point of contact within the Health Office and USAID/Mozambique for all matters related to SBC and Community Engagement in HIV/AIDS and TB activities
• Provide technical support for implementation of SBC interventions related to other Health Office-supported programs, including Reproductive Health /Family Planning, Maternal Newborn and Children Health (RH/FP), Malaria and Nutrition and GHS activities
• Keep abreast of new survey and research findings in health promotion in Africa and Mozambique, synthesizes findings and implications, disseminates them to other USAID and USG staff, and advises on appropriate shifts in USAID SBC and community-based strategic interventions in response to evolving epidemiological data
• Develop year-to-year in-country guidance (informed by the latest PEPFAR global guidance) for the preparation of the Country Operational Plan (COP) and contributes to the development of semi-annual and annual report guidance for the HIV/AIDS program
• Review annual work plans produced by implementing partners to ensure best practice, evidence-based approaches are incorporated into all USAID-funded SBC activities, and that the planned activities will result in increased demand and use of HIV, TB, RH/FP, MNCH, Nutrition and Malaria services
• Review all quarterly, annual, and special reports and surveys to ensure proper reporting on SBC output and outcome indicators
• Develop strategic documents and guidelines to integrate SBC activities into other Mission activities
• Provide technical support and make recommendations, with appropriate counterparts, regarding SBC programs and projects funded by USAID
• Provide oversight to the USAID HIV/AIDS and TB community portfolios and expert direction in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the HIV/AIDS and TB program and interventions
• Deliver sound technical leadership to the IHO, particularly to the HIV/AIDS, TB and Health Security (HTHS) Division on community care interventions to ensure HIV prevention, treatment adherence, retention, and viral load suppression
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and analysis for HIV/AIDS community activities through interactions with the government (MoH and NAC), PEPFAR-supported partners, other donor agencies, and the USG inter-agency team

Monitoring and Evaluation (20%)

• Provide leadership and collaborate with the Strategic Information and Project Management Teams to monitor and evaluate HIV/AIDS and TB SBC and community activities. Ensure periodic analysis of outputs and impacts, using data to support AORs/CORs and activity managers in guiding partner performance management
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor implementing partners' activities, assess progress, identify implementation problems, and work with AORs/CORs/activity managers to guide partners in effectively using available resources and adhering to best practices in HIV/AIDS and TB programming
• Conduct site visits to review program implementation, meet with beneficiaries, and communicate findings and recommendations to the Health Team, implementing partners, and, as appropriate, GRM counterparts for adjusting SBC program activities
• Analyze, synthesize, and disseminate key lessons learned and best practices from partner activities. Apply findings to future program and project design, inform project management teams, and prepare and communicate reports, including potential dissemination through peer-reviewed journals or technical conference abstracts
• Provide technical assistance to implementing partners in developing and establishing a system to monitor community and SBC activities
• Work closely with USAID SBC partners to ensure that program achievements and lessons learned are disseminated to sector representatives
• Maintain an up-to-date summary of all programs' technical and geographic areas relevant to SBC and community activities

Representation and Reporting (20%)

• Represent USAID and PEPFAR at designated national, regional, and international meetings related to SBC and community activities for HIV and TB, including regular participation in national-level technical working groups and related committees
• Represent USAID on the inter-agency USG PEPFAR forum on issues pertaining to SBC and community activities related to HIV and TB
• Represent USAID at meetings outside of the HIV/AIDS and TB fields, as requested by the Mission Director, Health Office Director, or HIV, TB, and Health Security Division Chief
• As a member of the PEPFAR team, prepares reports and responds to requests for information from the local government, USAID/Washington, and GHSD
• Establish and maintain strategic working relationships with senior MOH and other relevant Ministry officials at the national and district levels, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, private sector health counterparts, and professional associations. This enhances the regular and timely sharing of information on issues related to SBC and community activities for health, including changes in key policies and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs
• Provide highly specialized advice and guidance on SBC and community engagement, focusing on PEPFAR-supported activities and ensuring effective integration with other program components to maintain an effective service cascade

Requisites

• Supervision Received: The Senior Specialist will report to the Infectious Diseases Team Lead in the Health Office in USAID. S/he is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities. 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 host- 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: The Senior Specialist will supervise at least 2 CCN professional technical specialists
• Available Guidelines: PEPFAR Guidance and Directives, 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.
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative to plan, prioritize and conduct the activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent 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. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the incumbent 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: The incumbent does not make monetary or contractual commitments. The job holder takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. The incumbent is authorized to make commitments necessary with respect to scheduling and organizing activities within the statement of assigned responsibilities. The incumbent does not make monetary or contractual commitments. 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. The job holder may negotiate a referendum for the immediate supervisor
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent communicates frequently with high level staff/leadership internally and externally. S/he deals with senior staff and/or leadership of implementing partners, as well as other international donors, local government, and embassy counterparts in order to plan and fulfill liaison, advising, and reporting duties. S/he must be able to obtain and assess a variety of information from such officials to review and analyze compliance status and recommend ways to improve. S/he works with all USAID/Mozambique offices, including technical teams, and support offices
•  Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in Public Health, Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Communication Sciences, Social Sciences or related fields
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public health programming in developing or middle-income countries, with experience spent on two or more public health technical areas, such as social and behavior change, Communications for Health, Health promotion, Community Engagement, and others. Technical and programmatic experience with a wide range of social and behavior change approaches. Broad technical and programmatic knowledge of HIV and the national health systems issues in the country
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (advanced professional proficiency) English and Portuguese proficiency, reading, speaking and writing is required. Language competence may be tested
• Job Knowledge: Must possess highly specialized/in-depth knowledge of Mozambique's health system, including facility and community-based service delivery aspects of health promotion, prevention, and treatment programs. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the Mozambican public health landscape, along with its social, cultural, and political contexts is required
• Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must possess strong skills in communication (oral and written), 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 and prioritization skills to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative and offer leadership. S/he must demonstrate timely decision-making and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks
• The incumbent must have the ability to identify significant economic, political and social trends in the host country and assess their importance and impact on USAID development assistance objectives and programs. The incumbent must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing

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 technical evaluation committee may 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

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