September 7 , 2009

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Guinea is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified applicants to provide services as a Public Health Advisor & Activity Manager under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Interested applicants must submit: (i) a complete and signed Form set of U.S. Government OF 612 – Optional Form for Federal Employment; (ii) a most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; (iii) three references, who are not family members or relatives, together with working telephone and email contacts, and (iv) a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation). Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered.

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-à-vis the evaluation criteria.

Applications and the required documents in response to this solicitation must be e-mailed to:

Conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation.

USAID reserves the right to award or not the contract contemplated herein. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Mahamane Tandina, Executive Officer, USAID Guinea, who may be reached by phone at 224-67-10-40-29 or by email at mtandina@usaid.gov.

Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISOR & ACTIVITY MANAGER

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 675-09-15

2. ISSUANCE DATE: JULY 27, 2009

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: AUGUST 21, 2009 AT MIDNIGHT LOCAL TIME.

4. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 ($70,615.00-$91,801.00). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background.

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with possibility of extension

6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Conakry, Guinea with frequent travel to Sierra Leone.

7. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US and TCN PSC.
8. STATEMENT OF WORK

A. INTRODUCTION

USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone has a single technical office which manages all activities in governance, health, education, economic growth and biodiversity. It is currently staffed by a single U.S. Direct Hire Office Chief, reporting directly to the Mission Director, one Third Country National PSC, three FSN professionals, and two administrative assistants. This position is a USPSC/TCN who will function as a Public Health Advisor and Activity Manager.

The Mission also has oversight responsibility for its Country Office in Sierra Leone, staffed by one USPSC, three FSN professionals and one administrative assistant. The Technical Office must provide technical guidance to both USAID and Embassy staff working in Sierra Leone.

The Mission's assistance programs draw from several accounts to support key goals in a coordinated, interagency effort, with mutually reinforcing elements. Developmental Assistance (DA) supports government institutions and civil society organizations focused on democracy and governance. Child Survival and Health (CSH) funding contributes to economic growth and development through combating HIV/AIDS, and fostering maternal/child and reproductive health. Health projects also are structured to increase accountability and effectiveness in local service providers. Economic Support Funds (ESF), when available, are used to build and reinforce institutions allowing for free and fair elections. P.L. 480 will support effective engagement on agricultural initiatives as well as health and nutrition.

Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD): In Guinea, funding in this area at present supports preparations for legislative and presidential elections, expected to take place in 2009 or early 2010. Longer term GJD work in both Guinea and Sierra Leone promotes good governance and anti-corruption, seeking to build more effective and accountable governmental and non-governmental institutions. In both countries, local government and decentralization programs aim to increase the ability of local governments to govern effectively, transparently and democratically, and improve service delivery, particularly in healthcare. U.S. assistance here also increases citizen awareness of and demand for government transparency, accountability, and effectiveness by strengthening civil society’s capacity to participate more actively in governance and public affairs. These efforts are integrated with the work of other sectors such as health, education and natural resource/agricultural management.

Investing in People: Guinea and Sierra Leone are at the bottom of the UN’s human development index. CSH and P.L. 480 funding for maternal and child health, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS programs will continue to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, improve reproductive health and help both countries maintain their low HIV/AIDS prevalence rate while addressing key governance and transparency issues in the health sector. Communication efforts will address HIV-related stigma, harmful traditional practices such as female genital cutting, early and forced marriages and gender equity. These activities, together with anti-trafficking programs, also support Embassy objectives in human rights.

Economic Growth: Though richly endowed with minerals, Guinea and Sierra Leone are two of the poorest countries in the world, with the latter at the absolute bottom in 2008. The U.S. programs promote a more positive environment for economic growth and ease conditions of poverty by supporting agricultural sector productivity and an improved investment climate, both with DA and P.L. 480 funds. The Mission also seeks to help both countries take full advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by encouraging development of export opportunities.

Environment & Biodiversity: While presently suspended in Guinea as a result of the December 23, 2008 coup d’etat, Mission programs in the past have promoted more responsible use of natural resources and preservation of biodiversity, especially as it relates to ensuring sustainable economic growth. This has involved better community management of classified forests, reclamation of lands damaged by artisanal mining, and better cross-border coordination of national forest management programs. Guinean forests are the source of most of the major rivers in West Africa and are an essential part of the biosphere in the region. If Guinea successfully holds elections and moves to democratic rule, the Mission anticipates that its programs addressing the environment and biodiversity will be resumed.

B. SCOPE OF WORK

Overview

The Public Health Advisor/Activity Manager (PHA/AM) will work as a full member of the Technical Office Team. The PHA/AM will be expected to be an expert in her/his field and serve as a technical and programmatic expert for activities related to public health (nutrition, HIV/AIDS, family planning, maternal and child health). The PHA/AM will provide technical input into USAID/Guinea’s health program and guide, collect and disseminate information to all team members on health to increase skills and competencies within USAID and with partner organizations in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of USAID health programs. The PHA/AM will be responsible for managing several activities in the Mission's health portfolio. This will require constant interaction with USAID's partners. This PHA/AM will assist in the preparation of USAID reporting documents and responding to requests from USAID/W for information.
The PHA/AM will also have the major role in providing advice and support to USAID and Embassy staff assigned to Sierra Leone on HIV/AIDS and other health areas. This function will require occasional travel to Sierra Leone. The time required for work on Sierra Leone will not exceed 10%.
The PHA/AM is a crucial team member. Travel within Guinea and to Sierra Leone will be required, but will not exceed 25%. The PHA/AM would regularly serve as acting Team Leader when requested.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as technical and programmatic resource person for public health including HIV/AIDS and reproductive health for Guinea and Sierra Leone.

• Provide oversight and manage partner activities in the USAID/Guinea health portfolio.
Analyze partners' progress in relation to their and Mission’s performance indicators. Assist in tracking of quality of performance data. Identify any problem areas and provide a plan for corrective actions. Ensure partners receive needed information on USAID procedures and policies.

• Assist in the preparation of USAID reporting documents including the Operational Plan, Performance Report, Washington-driven requests and other documents as required.

• Coordinate with government officials and donors to avoid duplication of activities.

• Work closely with and provide technical leadership to the Technical Office Team and other Mission staff on cross-cutting issues, particularly HIV/AIDS, nutrition, civil society strengthening and combating female genital cutting.

. As a team member, actively participate in meetings and joint activities between USAID and the Ministry of Health, other donors, Peace Corps and the U.S. Embassy.

. Strengthen and forge new relations, when required, between other USAID missions, USAID/Washington, donors working in Guinea and Sierra Leone, NGOs, cooperating and implementing agencies and host-country collaborators.

. Make periodic site visits and inspection of USAID funded activities.

. Draft all documentation necessary to obtain approval of obligation (SOW, Action Memoranda, pipeline analysis, MAARDS).

. Provide input regarding annual resource requirements and budgets, and track expenditures
for selected activities.

. Actively participate in team building and strengthening activities.

. Expected to work independently.

. Will serve as team leader during the absence of the Technical Office Chief and the Deputy Technical Office Chief.

- Adjunct Roles and Responsibilities

.Participate with other Mission teams in searching for opportunities of collaboration.

.Collaboratively participate in the drafting of Agency Reports.

.Attend international technical conferences and meetings, as necessary.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The PHA/AM Advisor is supervised by the Technical Office Team Leader and performs under general instructions from his/her supervisor. The Advisor is required to develop annual work objectives that lay out specific objectives to be achieved. The Advisor is expected to work with a minimum of supervision and in a collaborative fashion with other professional staff inside and outside the Mission. The Advisor is required to exercise extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, including the specific approach to be taken, the resolution of problems and conflicts, and the meeting of deadlines. He/she will keep supervisors apprised of progress in assigned activities.
QUALIFICATIONS/RERQUIREMENTS & SELECTION CRITERIA
The technical scope of the program is complex and requires the services of a seasoned program manager with public health knowledge. Recommended professional qualifications and skills include:
• Education (20 Points): A Masters degree in public health or a related field.
• Experience (35 points): (1) At least 5-7 years of experience in the design and implementation of health and family planning programs with demonstrated technical expertise and skill in the implementation of reproductive health and child survival programs. (2) 3 years of experience working in a developing country, preferably in Africa. (3) Experience in coordinating programs with bilateral and multilateral donors such as the UN agencies as well as public sector and NGOs entities.
• Knowledge (30 points): (1) strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams; (2) Familiarity with and understanding of development programs and implementation procedures is desirable. (3) Strong computer and writing skills, able to produce concise reports and utilize word processing, spreadsheets and graphic programs.
• Language (15 points): (1) English at S-3+, R-3+ and French at S-3+/R-3+ level or higher. (2) Ability to produce well-written documents under tight deadlines;

TERMS OF PERFORMANCE

The contract will be for a period of twenty four (24) months beginning o/a October 2009. The contract may be extended for up to an additional two years subject to performance, continuing need for the Advisor’s services, and availability of fund.

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

See attached Solicitation

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands, except for the ability to tolerate bumpy roads for extended vehicle trips up-country and sometimes spending the night in one-star (or lower) hotels with no air-conditioning.

11. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. In-country & occasional international travel is required.

12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
The PSC will receive administrative support from the Mission, including office space, equipment and supplies. The selected candidate must obtain medical and security clearances. Accompanying spouse and children, if applicable, must also obtain medical clearance.
APPLYING:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

A U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); (ii) a most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; and (iii) three references, who are not family members or relatives, together with working telephone and email contacts. (iv) a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation). Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html

1. Optional Form 612.
2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **
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). **

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract.
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:
Employee's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual and Sick Leave
Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).*

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)
(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)
(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and
(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)
(8) Educational Allowance (Section 270)
(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

Note: The selected individual must be eligible for a U.S. government security clearance and obtain a full medical clearance for service.