MODIFICATION
R -- Public Health Management Specialist
- Notice Date
- 8/3/2009
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 17_2009
- Archive Date
- 9/8/2009
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana Rossova, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 06/30/2009 CLOSING DATE: 08/24/2009 (extended) Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 17-2009 USPSC Public Health Management Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 17-2009 (amended) 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:17/2009 (amended) 2.ISSUANCE DATE:06/30/2009 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 08/24/2009 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) (extended) 4.POSITION TITLE:Public Health Management Specialist 5.MARKET VALUE:$70,615 - $91,801 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 30% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value – salary history may be considered) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 8.JOB DESCRIPTION: BACKGROUND The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR), located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government’s assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. In addition to the Regional Mission in Almaty, Country Offices are located in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and work in close collaboration with the Regional Mission to carry out USAID development priorities. Within the Regional Mission, the Office of Health and Education (HE) has primary responsibility for the management of assistance in the health and education sectors. USAID/CAR’s objective in health care is to assist the public health systems in the Central Asian Republics to better meet the health needs of vulnerable groups. Activities are focused on four areas: 1) Contributing to safer medical environments; 2) Strengthening public health capacity; 3) Improving the quality of health services; and 4) Empowering civil society to better respond to health needs. B) Basic Functions of the Position: The position is located in the Uzbekistan Country Office (UCO) of the USAID/CAR regional mission. The incumbent is a member of the USAID/CAR/UCO team and USAID/CAR Health and Education Office team. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the USAID/CAR/UCO Country Representative or his/her designee. The incumbent receives supervisory support and technical guidance from the USAID/CAR Health & Education Office Director based in Almaty. The incumbent serves as the senior public health advisor on Uzbekistan to the USAID Uzbekistan Country Office Director, USAID Central Asian Republics (CAR) headquarter-based staff, and Embassy Tashkent. Job holder shares responsibilities with USAID/CAR regional mission for the development and implementation of public health-related program activities and has direct responsibility for day-to-day coordination and monitoring of all USAID health development activities in Uzbekistan, including activities that implement or support the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The employee is responsible for overseeing USAID/CAR initiatives in the health sector in Uzbekistan, as assigned. As such, the employee must have considerable knowledge of health issues in the region, a background in public health programming, and must be effective in developing cooperative working relationships with government officials, international donors, USAID implementing partners and local non-governmental partners. Incumbent works closely with the Health & Education Office at USAID/CAR regional headquarters’ office in Kazakhstan to ensure that USAID-funded health development activities carried out in Uzbekistan contribute to measurable results that are in accordance with agency regulations, assistance objectives, international ethical guidelines, and public healthcare standards and best practices. C) Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Public Health Management Specialist’s responsibilities and duties shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1) Job holder is the principal public health technical analyst and advisor to the UCO director and USAID/CAR on health-related programming in Uzbekistan. This includes development of new programs and initiatives that are in accord with the goals, objectives, and policies of Congressional earmarks, directives and Presidential initiatives (e.g., PEPFAR). Incumbent plays a lead role in strategic planning, project development and drafting of UCO input into the health program area of the Operational Plan (OP) for Uzbekistan. To carry out these responsibilities, job holder must stay abreast of changes in the host country public health infrastructure, advising agency management on observed strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Specific areas job holder must follow are new levels and trends in health conditions, status of key policies, and legal and regulatory changes that could affect the implementation of health-related programs. Job holder meets frequently with in-country mid- to senior-level host government health professionals and program directors, as well as health counterparts in non-governmental organizations, private sector, and international organizations. Through these contacts, the incumbent stays informed and up-to-date on public health matters, especially HIV/AIDS, TB and health systems strengthening in Uzbekistan. Job holder condenses the information gathered, analyzes in-country needs and opportunities against objectives in the U.S. Foreign Assistance Framework and advises senior management on how best to deliver in-country public health products and services that reflect international standards and host country policies and regulations for such programs. Recommendations are made both orally and in writing to USG technical groups (e.g., PEPFAR), embassy management and agency mission and headquarters management. 2) The primary work of the UCO is to implement, monitor and evaluate development programming carried out by contractors and grantees. Working closely with health professionals based in USAID/CAR Almaty office, job holder takes the lead in managing the life cycle of health programs in Uzbekistan. This requires close cooperation with contractors and/or cooperative agreement partners, facilitation during implementation, frequent monitoring and evaluating partner performance against desired results that are in accordance with standard guidelines and protocols, and in the case of family planning and HIV/AIDS, meet specific legal and policy requirements. Job holder ensures that program requirements of the grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreement are correctly followed and according to USG and international health standards. In coordination with regional headquarters in Almaty, the job holder prepares and presents comprehensive program reviews to include recommendations on curtailing or expanding programs and program effectiveness. Incumbent participates in technical reviews of proposals and applications and funding allocation decision making during the review and development process. Once grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreements are in place, s/he participates with partners in the development of work plans for implementation of activities. Job holder meets with Contracts Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs) and Assistance Officer Technical Representatives (AOTRs), contractors and counterparts on a regular basis, reviewing progress, identifying potential issues before they become problems, and informing the UCO Director and USAID/CAR Health & Education Office Director. When funding issues, reporting lapses or other administrative irregularities are identified, job holder works with COTR/AOTR in charge of the specific contract or grant and recommends solutions to correct deficiencies. Job holder reviews documents required for payment, change of activities, requests for continuations, and supplemental awards and makes recommendations to the COTR or AOTR for approval or non-approval. 3) The incumbent serves as USG point of contact on all issues and requests related to PEPFAR including Global Fund (GFATM) grants. Incumbent is responsible for coordinating USAID representation and documentation related to Global Fund in Uzbekistan, provides input for USG parallel reviews of the country applications to the GFATM, and provides input to the host country government in development of the country’s application to Global Fund. The incumbent coordinates USG assistance with the GFATM and other donors working in the areas of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria, to leverage resources and avoid duplication. 4) As the primary public health technical liaison, job holder is a key source for keeping host government public health contacts and non-governmental health program counterparts informed about new developments in USAID and USG initiatives (e.g., PEPFAR, President Obama’s new Global Health Initiative), policies and procedures. Job holder provides timely technical updates that are useful to partners and counterparts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB, and meeting other public health challenges in Uzbekistan. 5) Incumbent represents USAID and the USG (in the case of PEPFAR) at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with collaborators and donor agencies and sits on numerous ad hoc health working groups. In turn, as assigned by the U.S. Chief of Mission, serves as chair of interagency PEPFAR working groups to ensure coordination of work plan development, implementation strategies, and evaluation plans for all USG activities in Uzbekistan. Job holder communicates to supervisor and colleagues, both orally and in writing, the recommendations and results of meetings. Job holder provides technical advice and guidance to headquarters and other agency country teams. Job holder represents USAID as its public health advisor to relevant host government entities (such as the Ministry of Health), multi- and bilateral development partners (such as the World Bank, the UN, Asian Development Bank, KfW), the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in Uzbekistan. 6) Establishes and maintains working relationships and coordination through participation in meetings, seminars, receptions and similar types of activities with U.S. Embassy staff, various host government, private sector and non-governmental representatives to further the ability of the incumbent to gain insight into evolving issues and concerns of interest to USAID. Liaises with State (Embassy and Washington-based staff) and technical and program staff working in other USAID sectors to communicate progress and achievements of USAID health programs (including PEPFAR) and advance coordination. 7) Incumbent prepares and delivers high-quality presentations on USAID health activities and USG PEPFAR programming in Uzbekistan for USG representatives, other donors, and Uzbek officials from related counterpart organizations. Provides input to the UCO monthly newsletter, speeches, talking points, USG cables, briefing memoranda and success stories on health and health related issues. Documents and updates list of contacts on a semi-annual basis. 8) Incumbent is responsible for providing oversight and monitoring USAID health budgets and USG PEPFAR activities carried out by contractors and grantees working in Uzbekistan on the health portfolio. This includes reviewing budget requests that accompany work plans, applications, proposals and modifications to contracts and grants for appropriateness, adherence to proposed activities, and best value. Incumbent carries out quarterly pipeline reviews, analyzes budget status reports, follows up on irregular findings, providing advice for realignments of budgets and accruals. 9) Job holder maintains health-related subject files and records in the UCO per USAID regulations. Files may cover topics including reports, meeting summaries and minutes, copies of all grants/cooperative agreements/contracts, research determinations, panel decisions, and awards. Job holder is responsible for data integrity and security of information in the reporting databases. 10) Contributes to and manages meeting schedules for senior USG officials interested in learning about USG health development activities. Organizes site visits and accompanies senior USG officials and other VIP visitors on field trips within Uzbekistan and serves as spokesperson as required on matters within technical expertise. Serves as control officer for health-related USG site visits. Incumbent provides input, translation and interpreting services as needed in briefings for visiting officials from Washington, Almaty and elsewhere on recent developments on health activities in Uzbekistan. Provides logistical and administrative support for short-term technical consultants, including assistance while in Uzbekistan. 11) Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the Agency. D)POSITION ELEMENTS: SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The USAID/CAR Uzbekistan USDH Program Officer/Country Office Director (or designee) will provide general supervision to this position. The Supervisory General Development Officer (USAID/CAR Health and Education Office Director) or his/her designee will provide technical guidance and direction. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Foreign Affairs Manual, Automated Directives System, Contracting Information Bulletins (CIB), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), AIDAR, Mission Orders, Mission Notices, PEPFAR guidance, USG Foreign Assistance Framework, and general guidance provided by USAID senior management. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Given that the incumbent will handle most work independently and in accordance with established Federal and Agency regulations, policies and procedures, excellent (balanced) judgment are critical to the successful performance of the job. The incumbent will be expected to use initiative, exercise discretion, and patience in dealing with Mission and Country Office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations, and stakeholders to resolve problems that arise during the course of the work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution and where contact with the supervisor is not possible. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit the U.S. Government Mission funds on behalf of USAID/CAR/Almaty or USAID/CAR Uzbekistan Country Program Office. NATURE AND LEVEL OF CONTACTS: The incumbent works directly with central and local Government officials, NGOs, private sector and international donors, other USAID offices, USG agencies, U.S.-based international donors and partners. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The incumbent will serve as the team leader for the health staff of the Uzbekistan Country Office. TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE FULL RANGE OF DUTIES AFTER ENTRY INTO THE POSITION: The incumbent is expected to possess the necessary technical, administrative and management skills/abilities required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position upon arrival in Tashkent. E) MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: a. Academic qualifications – A Master's degree or higher (MD, PhD) in a health-related field. b. Technical knowledge and management experience - Minimum six years of progressively responsible international experience in program management related to health development is required; experience specific to Central Asia is strongly preferred, although preference will also be given to those with experience in other post-Soviet republics or Central and Eastern Europe. Knowledge of political and social aspects of Central Asian countries -and their health systems in particular- is very important. The ability to manage multiple activities under extreme time constraints to independently carry out institutional and program assessments, develop policy recommendations, and direct technical analyses is essential. The incumbent must be a self-starter – able to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure as a team member in a culturally diverse team environment. Preference will be given to applicants whose international experience includes strategic planning and analysis involving the health sector. Preference will also be given to individuals with knowledge of USAID health priorities and USAID procedures and systems for strategic planning, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. c. Leadership, communication and interpersonal skills - Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills are critical. Preference will be given to applicants that can demonstrate experience in effectively interacting with a broad range of internal and external partners and clients, such as project beneficiaries, international organizations, government officials, universities or institutes, contractors/grantees, and NGOs. Exceptional interpersonal skills and diplomacy are required to maintain excellent working relationships with all Mission personnel, internal/external contacts, counterparts, shareholders, and clients. A proven ability to develop and maintain professional relations with the most senior-ranking Central Asia stakeholders (i.e., local international donor representatives, heads of national, state and local health departments, NGO representatives, and other key stakeholders and partners) is required. The incumbent must demonstrate: an ability and willingness to collaborate as part of a large team; sensitivity to others; integrity; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; the ability to conceptualize – both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances. In addition, the ability to be responsive to clients’ needs and to adapt to the existing management team by being a good listener, a team builder, and an articulate advocate of USAID/CAR health priorities is required. Command of software programs to effectively manage e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics presentations is required. d. Language skills - Must be fluent in English (level V) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing. Must have demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical pieces and make persuasive, logical oral presentations to high-level audiences. Proficiency in Russian (at least level III) is required, and knowledge of Uzbek is desired. F) OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition, the incumbent must also be: 1) a U.S. Citizen; 2) Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 3) Able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance at “SECRET” level and to secure a medical clearance from StateMed to serve in Central Asia; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices throughout Uzbekistan and Central Asia as/when requested. G) SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Academic Qualifications: 20 points Technical Knowledge and Management Experience: 40 points Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: 20 points Language and Communication Skills: 20 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) August 24, 2009. As for the written work this must be a technical piece related to one of the public health discipline areas. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 727 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for one-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Tashkent has a continental/high desert climate, characterized by cold winters (with snow in January and February) and hot summers. July and August temperatures can range from 95 to 110. For the most part summers are dry and dusty. November and December are usually cold and wet. Tashkent offers several Uzbek- and Russian- language drama, opera, and ballet theatres. There are a few museums to visit and shops with Uzbek arts and crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, carpets, embroideries, brass trays, and other handicrafts and antiques. Samarqand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other cities offer fascinating history with beautiful monuments and architecture. There are a growing number of quality restaurants with international cuisine. Tashkent offers sports and other recreational pursuits: tennis complexes, a golf club, a bowling club, several swimming pools, two simple horseback riding facilities, weekend hiking, winter skiing, and a water park complete with slides. There are many parks around town with children’s rides, slides, and swings. Touring and camping are popular. The local mountains are very beautiful, stark and rugged. Travel agencies can organize bicycling, white water rafting, skiing, and hiking tours. The Tashkent International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. In addition, the Ulugbek International School offers classes K-12 in English and is based on the U.S. educational system. There are two half-day pre-schools in operation in Tashkent for children 2-6 years old. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission’s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (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 PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or 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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** 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. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 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 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or 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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** 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.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Record
- SN01897845-W 20090805/090804000628-3fae6090d2af3c25b1cc6ab1a5f621be (fbodaily.com)
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