Health Systems Strengthening Team Lead
Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC)
Health Systems Strengthening Team Lead, USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066919R00014
2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 20, 2019
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: July18, 2019, 5:30 pm Local Time
4. POSITION TITLE: Health Systems Strengthening Team Lead
5. MARKET VALUE: The position is the equivalent of a GS-13 ranging from $76,687 to $99,691 per annum. Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background, within the above salary range. 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.
6. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be based on a 100-point Scale: Job Knowledge (40 Points), Technical Skills and abilities (40 points), Prior Work Experience (10 points) and Education (10 Points).
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: A base of two (2) years which may be extended subject to satisfactory performance.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency)
10. SECURITY ACCESS: (USPSCs) DOS Facility access in lieu of Secret clearance is acceptable
SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.
POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Contractor will report to the Deputy Health Team Office Director.
PHYSICAL & SECURITY CLEARANCE: The selected candidate must be able to obtain required medical and security clearances prior to the execution of the contract
11. STATEMENT OF WORK:
The overall objective of the 17-member, $260 million USAID Health Office is to improve health outcomes among Liberians. The USAID Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Team improves the overall quality of health services in Liberia, increases access to and utilization of equitable health services, and improves governance and access to quality water and sanitation services. The HSS Team manages a portfolio estimated at $100M over five years comprising a flagship HSS activity, a USAID/Washington-funded partnership to improve human resources for health; three to four water-related activities; and USAID/Liberia’s private sector health investments.
The HSS Team Lead is a senior member of the USAID Health Office, contributing to overall Office strategy and vision. The HSS Team has a significant portfolio across the USAID Mission including collaboration with the Economic Growth Office on private sector and water-related activities and with the Democracy and Governance Office on governance, accountability and domestic resource mobilization. The Team Lead provides technical leadership to the entire USAID/Liberia team and to the USG Mission to Liberia in the areas of HSS, health legislation and policy, planning, healthcare financing, strategic information, human resources, private health sector, water, and logistics and commodities. The Team Lead is recognized by the USG and the GOL as an expert in HSS, and serves as a key advisor to Mission Management, the USG Mission to Liberia, and the Liberian Government (GOL) and Implementing Partners (IPs).
BASIC FUNCTION:
The HSS Team Lead is involved in the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of all USAID/Liberia HSS activities. The Team Lead facilitates communication and ensures collaborative working relationships with high level decision-makers, as well as technical staff in the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus, USAID/Washington, counterparts with other government entities, and with other donors, private sector partners, and non-governmental organizations working in the area of health systems strengthening, water and private sector. The Team Lead represents USAID and the USG on various high-level governing bodies key to HSS, serves on GOL technical working groups and donor working groups in advancing the policy objectives of the USG while simultaneously supporting coordination and harmonization of health activities in Liberia.
The Health Systems Strengthening Team Lead reports directly to the Deputy Health Office Director, with the responsibility of managing a team of three staff, including two locally employed staff and one Third Country National Water Advisor.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
I. Strategic and Technical Leadership (30%). The HSS Team Lead provides policy and strategic leadership in support of the USAID/USG health program, with a particular focus on health systems strengthening, including health information systems, supply chain, health financing and human resources for health; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and private health sector engagement. The Team Lead provides senior policy, strategic, and technical advice and guidance to the Ministry of Health in the planning, drafting and evaluation of GOL HSS reforms. The Team Lead oversees the effective monitoring and evaluation plans for the HSS program, including compiling lessons learned and the dissemination of HSS activity results to appropriate USG staff and partners.
· The HSS Team Lead has the strategic vision, leadership qualities, technical expertise, professional reputation, management experience, and interpersonal skills to fulfill the diverse professional requirements necessary for this position.
· The individual in this role provides policy and strategic leadership to the overall USAID/USG health program, with a focus on health systems strengthening, human resources for health, health financing, supply chain strengthening, and governance and accountability; WASH; and private health care.
· S/he develops new HSS activities, assures monitoring and evaluation standards are met, and provides expert technical and programmatic information and assistance as requested by the Ambassador, the USAID/Liberia Mission Director, and the Health Office Director relating to health systems strengthening, including content for reporting documents, speeches, cables, analyses, and briefing materials.
· S/he leads development of a private sector portfolio within the Health Office and serves as the key interlocutor with private sector health and health insurance providers to increase efficiency within the private sector as well as access to private sector services by the poor.
· The individual in this position analyzes HSS issues to identify strengths and weaknesses by leading the design of strategies and programs with respect to GOL needs and within USAID’s comparative advantage and mandates.
· S/he provides senior level policy, strategic, and technical advice and guidance to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in HSS, WASH and private health sector engagement.
II. Program/Project/Activity Management, Monitoring and Reporting (50%). The HSS Team Lead conducts regular site visits to review program implementation and meets with beneficiaries; based on information collected during visits, s/he adjusts or recommends adjustments to programs/projects/activities as appropriate. S/he reviews performance reports to ensure IPs are in compliance with bilateral government agreements and with performance expectations outlined in their work plans. S/he also ensures monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to capture IP results and contributions to overall portfolio targets. The individual in this position leads the preparation and review of the USAID Operational Plan for HSS and WASH related activities.
· The HSS Team Lead provides technical and programmatic oversight in the areas of HSS, including county governance and strategic planning, health financing, health information systems and quality improvement. The Team Lead directs and oversees new private sector health activities.
· S/he serves as COR/AOR and also provides leadership and overall guidance to COR/AOR or Activity Managers for the portfolio and assists staff in managing systems strengthening or service delivery projects. Additionally, this individual provides technical and supervisory contributions to USG program designs, budget allocations, strategic planning documents and reporting mechanisms.
· S/he conducts site visits on a quarterly basis, at a minimum, and provides hands-on oversight to IPs in Monrovia as well as at the site of implementation.
· The HSS Team Lead ensures monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to capture IP results and contributions to overall HSS portfolio targets, approves annual work plans for health systems strengthening, and maintains detailed and updated project management strategic plans for HSS activities.
III. Supervision and Management (15%). The HSS Team Lead will supervise and manage a team of three staff, with direct supervisory responsibility for three individuals. Responsibilities will include ongoing coaching and mentoring of staff, setting professional development goals, identifying relevant training opportunities to advance those goals and strengthen the overall USAID/Liberia Health Office, providing written feedback and performance evaluations, and working with the Executive Officer to determine actions related to performance issues.
· S/he works in a collaborative and instructional manner with members of the USAID/Liberia team with regards to the implementation and oversight of the HSS portfolio.
· The HSS Team Lead ensures that all necessary technical team members possess the adequate level of expertise in the area of HSS, and that USAID team members receive the appropriate levels of training where issues of HSS are concerned.
IV. Financial Management (5%). The HSS Team Lead is responsible for the financial management of programs/projects/activities assigned to strengthen Health Systems, including ensuring that obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to action plans; ensuring appropriate and timely incremental funding of activities; ensuring program activities are in compliance with USAID financial regulations, reporting any financial discrepancies to the Health Office Director, Budget Advisor, Finance Team, and/or Office of Procurement Support, keeping Mission Controller and Mission Financial Analysts informed of liquidation of advances; and, reviewing and providing administrative approval for assigned activities. The HSS Team Lead ensures compliance with auditing requirements and the closure of open recommendations, and maintains monthly project financial management tracking systems.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
a. Education
The HSS Team Lead position requires a Master’s degree in a related field such a health financing, public health, public administration, or economics.
b. Prior Experience
A minimum of 7 years progressively responsible, professional-level experience in health sector program management or related private sector experience is required. At least two years of experience in development-related work, or related fields, for USAID, other donor agencies, GOL organizations, or private-sector institutions which included project design, performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data is desired.
c. Language Proficiency
Level IV (fluent) written and oral English proficiency is required. Ability to write and edit technical documents in English and concisely summarize complex ideas is essential.
d. Job Knowledge
In-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to health systems strengthening in Liberia and the region. Mastery of a variety of health development areas including health system strengthening, private sector engagement, health care reform, health information systems, human resources development, and governance and accountability is expected. The HSS Team Lead must have a good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance; USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities. The HSS Team Lead must also have knowledge and understanding, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of the organization and respective roles of the different branches in the GOL in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans.
e. Skills and Abilities
The ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate HSS, water and private sector activities is essential. Verbal communication skills, tact, and diplomacy are necessary in establishing and developing sustainable working relationships and a high level of trust with senior and middle-level GOL officials, and with public and private organizations. Tactful communication skills are also needed when explaining and interpreting GOL attitudes, priorities, and concerns to USAID/USG officials, and in negotiating project plans and resolving project implementation issues with appropriate host-country organizations, technical advisors, implementing partners, counterparts, and peers. Strong technical writing skills are mandatory in order to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, project documentation, and briefing papers. Analytical ability is required in order to interpret public policies, and to assist in the development of revised policies, as necessary; and, to develop and monitor the performance of budgets, and the development of periodic work plans. High technical skill level in project programming, policies, and in developing strategies for implementation is desired. The HSS Team Lead must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters. Good computer skills are required to manage activity goals and achievements.
POSITION ELEMENTS
a. Supervision Received
· The HSS Team Lead works under the supervision of the Deputy Health Team Office Director, who provides overall objectives, suggests approaches to consider, and reviews completed reports and assignments. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the HSS Team Lead is required to determine those that must be coordinated with superiors. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the expected results. The HSS Team Lead will seek advice and assistance as required.
b. Available Guidelines
Available administrative guidelines establish a broad pattern of operations that require a frequent need to exercise judgment and interpretation, and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. Relevant guidelines include the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), PEPFAR and PMI guidelines, Country Operational Plans, Health Implementation Plan, Country Development Cooperation Strategy, National Health Strategic Plan, Mission Orders and other directives. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation.
c. Exercise of Judgment
· Independent judgment is required for developing, implementing, and managing programs/projects/activities, many of which are emergent institutions in areas of political and social sensitivity, and for reporting, and for other assignments. Judgment is required to make decisions, based on careful analysis of facts and variables, possible alternatives, and potential political and development implications and impact. The HSS Team Lead must exercise good judgment and completes work independently. S/he monitors implementation of activities and maintains accountability for results achieved.
d. Authority to Make Commitments
The HSS Team Lead exercises the authority given to program/project/activity managers and CORs/AORs, and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The HSS Team Lead takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the HSS Team Lead may indicate to ranking counterpart and implementing partner officials that s/he will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem. The HSS Team Lead has no independent authority to expend USG funds.
e. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts
The HSS Team Lead has a full range of contacts within the U.S. Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with contractors and grantees implementing USAID-funded programs/projects/activities in the sector. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staff and with senior staff as needed. Host-government, local, and other contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented, and may be at any level – including Ministerial, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, Director etc. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the GRZ, and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining and defending USAID/USG policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret GOL and private-sector attitudes and concerns, and the attitudes and concerns of individual Liberians to senior USAID officials.
f. Supervision Exercised
The HSS Team Lead will supervise a team of three, with direct responsibility for three individuals: Supply Chain Advisor, Health Systems Advisor, and the Water Advisor. The HSS Team Lead will liaise closely with several cooperating agency and contract staff to oversee their work on results reporting to reconcile HSS performance against targets.
g. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after entry into the Position:
A qualified individual without previous experience in USAID will take approximately one year to develop the knowledge, abilities and skills required to perform the full range of duties required for this position. A person with USAID experience will take approximately 6 months.
12. APPLYING:
HOW TO APPLY
All applications packages are to be submitted to:
Sylvester Browne
Human Resource Specialist
USAID/Liberia
Email: sbrowne@usaid.gov andjkemah@usaid.gov
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.
All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete.
1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits.
1. ALLOWANCES: as applicable:
- Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
- Living quarters allowance (Section 130) or government furnished housing.
- Post Allowance (Section 220).
- Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
- Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).
- Education allowance (Section 270).
- Educational Travel (Section 280).
- Post differential (Chapter 500).
- Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600), and
2. BENEFITS:
- Employee's FICA Contribution
- Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
- Pay Comparability Adjustment
- Annual Increase
- Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
- Annual & Sick Leave
- Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service
Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes.
3. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) Pertaining to PSCs.
97- 16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Completion for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less
97-11 (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts
97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services
97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination
96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract
96-19 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) – Leave
96-11 PSC’s Annual Health Insurance Costs
96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14
94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)
93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)
List of Required Forms for PSCs
1. Standard Form 171
**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).
Note: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.
*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
**The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
All Applicants must address how they meet the Minimum Qualifications, as described below:
Submit a fully completed and hand-signed copy of Form (ADS-302-3), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates your education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria.
Professional Reference Checks: Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number.
Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices).
Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)
Sylvester S. Browne, Phone 231-77-766402, Email sbrowne@usaid.gov - Jamesetta C. Kemah, Human Resource Assistant, Phone 231777064206, Email jkemah@usaid.gov
