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PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (HIV) - FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGIST

USAID Kenya NAIROBI, KENYA

Summary

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 21-66

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 8, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 22, 2021 (4:30 PM East Africa Time)

4. POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (HIV) – Field Epidemiologist.

5.  MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-PSC 11 (Step 1: 4,597,211.00 KSH to Step 13: 7,815,239.00 KSH per annum). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6.  PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Initial six (6) months probationary period, with an additional six (6) months upon successful completion of probation period. Additional four (4) option years contingent on fully successful or better performance rating, funds availability and the continued need to retain the position.

7.  PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

8. SECURITY CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Prior to joining USAID, the selected candidate will be required to:

  • Undergo a comprehensive background investigation
  • Undergo a health check to obtain medical clearance and;
  • Obtain and Retain an embassy issued Security Certification.

9.  STATEMENT OF DUTIES: (See Below).

10.  AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to qualified Kenyan citizens and current employees of the U.S. Government. USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.

11.  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requirements do not involve rigorous physical demands.

BACKGROUND

The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) represents the US government response to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history. Thanks to American leadership and generosity, alongside the work of many partners, PEPFAR has saved millions of lives, averted millions of infections, and changed the course of the epidemic. As countries progress towards HIV/AIDS epidemic control, the point at which new HIV infections have decreased and fall below the total number of deaths among HIV-infected individuals, PEPFAR is now undertaking the challenge of controlling the pandemic.

The USAID Project Management Specialist (Field Epidemiologist HIV) serves as a technical leader and resource in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment programs/projects/activities. The Specialist serves as the in-house subject matter leader on HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, and the Mission and USG representative in policy, strategic, and technical engagements with the host-country Ministry of Health (MOH), U.S. Government (USG) interagency, international and bilateral organizations, and donor agencies to address technical issues and coordinate efforts in implementation of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment activities. The work includes serving as a Program/Project Manager and Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) for significant and targeted interventions, service as an Activity Manager for centralized programs, providing technical assistance to the appropriate host-country Ministry in the development of host-country policies, and the design and management of in-country programs/ projects/activities, reflecting best practices in HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment. The Specialist works with the host government and other donors to ensure a well-coordinated approach to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment. The position is located in the USAID Office of Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN).

Description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1.  TECHNICAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP                           50%

The Specialist provides a high level technical guidance, including clinical HIV Care and Treatment recommendations, to the Mission and the Ministry of Health in HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment including counterparts and senior level officials; provides direction in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment programs/projects/activities and interventions; and/provides oversight to the annual HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment budget, ensuring costs remain within budget planning levels, and that efficiency is maximized. The Specialist works closely with other units within the Health Office, and across the USAID Mission, to optimize opportunities for cross-sectoral integration, and the leveraging of resources across the different program components; and, works closely with the Health Systems Strengthening Team to ensure adequate planning towards uninterrupted availability of key HIV commodities, including antiretrovirals (ARVs), test kits, and essential laboratory reagents. The Specialist provides technical leadership in quality and performance improvement, working with key stakeholders to improve the quality of facility and community-level HIV Care and Treatment services, by applying evidence-based guidelines, approaches, and tools; and, liaises with the other technical advisors and MOH staff to institutionalize and scale up quality improvement for HIV Care and Treatment service delivery.

Through literature review, research and regular communication with local and international stakeholders, the Specialist keeps abreast of emerging developments in the national and global HIV Care and Treatment landscape, and advises accordingly on how policies, strategies, and technical guidelines can most effectively be incorporated to enable the Mission to maintain fidelity and relevance in its HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment programs. The Specialist provides advice and guidance to other Health Office and HIV/AIDS Team colleagues on matters relating to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, and how best the other program components could contribute to ensure an effective service cascade.

The Specialist provides oversight and guidance to USAID IPs newly emerging and highly efficacious approaches to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment program/project/activity implementation; with the Strategic Information Team, advise on the development of tools (dash boards, league tables, etc.) that support continuous learning and adapting to further improve and evolve the USAID knowledge base and data management capability related to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment activities; and, advises on targeted analyses of HIV/AIDS data to inform program/project/activity planning and implementation. In addition, the Specialist provides technical assistance to USG financial teams and technical working groups in completing the PEPFAR Funding Allocation to Strategy Tool (FAST), and any other new tools that may be provided for use in the planning processes.

2. PROGRAM/PROJECT/ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT                     25%

The Specialist serves as a Contracting or Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) for Mission HIV Care and Treatment programs; keeps the supervisor informed regularly of program implementation progress, results, and issues/problems on a timely basis; perceives, determines, and arranges for procurement of Short Term Technical Assistance (STTA), ensuring that objectives and outcomes of the TA are consistent with and support the furtherance of the Mission HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment portfolio; participates in and ensures the effectiveness of Site Improvement Monitoring System (SIMS) and other field visits to improve service delivery quality, including provision of clinical recommendations on HIV Care and Treatment; and, organizes site visits and prepares orientation materials for delegations from OGAC, USAID Headquarters, the Department of State, and other agencies, and plays a leading role in advising other Health Office colleagues on quality assurance/improvement methodologies and techniques in order to improve the performance of all health service providers.

3.  REPRESENTATION AND REPORTING                                     25%

The Specialist represents USAID and PEPFAR at designated national, regional, and international meetings, in particular those relating to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, including regular participation in national-level HIV/AIDS technical working groups and related committees; represents USAID on the inter-agency USG PEPFAR Inter-Agency Technical Team, along with the Team Leader; represent USAID at meetings outside of the HIV/AIDS field, as requested by the Mission Director, Health Office Chief, or the Team Leader; responds to a wide range of work-related requirements as a member of the PEPFAR Team, including responding to requests for information from USAID Washington, OGAC, and the Congress; establishes strategic working relationships with senior host-government officials at the national and district level, donor agencies, civil society organizations, private-sector health counterparts, and Medical Associations in order to enhance the sharing of information on HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, including changes in key policies, and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs/projects/activities; and, serves as a USAID representative on inter-agency forums related to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment.

The Specialist provides strategic and technical leadership in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents, including the Country Operational Plan, Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, and Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports; and supports the annual PEPFAR budget preparation processes.

POSITION ELEMENTS

A.  SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Specialist works under the very general supervision of the Health Office Chief, and the direct supervision of the HIV Care and Treatment Team Leader. 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 Health 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.

B.  SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Continuing supervision of other Health Office and/or Mission staff is not contemplated. Oversight of short- and medium- term technical contractors and TDYers is contemplated, requiring the Specialist to prepare interim performance assessments for long-term TDYers and contractors. The Specialist provides mentoring and coaching in key areas of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, especially on newly emerging evidence and approaches to foster common knowledge across the portfolio.

C. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Available guidelines include USG program/project/activity guidance, rules, and requirements; USAID Mission Orders, Mission strategy, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS); USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, and the FAR and AIDAR; and, Emergency Plan guidelines, Country Operational Plans, the Mission and Host Government Five-Year Strategic Plans, and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation.

D. EXERCISE OF JUDGEMENT: Substantial judgment (discretion) is used daily in providing technical opinion and guidance to USG, USAID, and host-government colleagues, to IPs, and in representing USAID in stakeholder forums. Management decisions over certain IPs are at the discretion of the Specialist. Independent judgment is required for developing, implementing, and managing assigned programs/projects/ activities, for reporting, and for other assignments. Substantial judgment is required in analyzing and determining whether or not to recommend approval of proposed programs/projects/activities, in choosing among alternative proposals, and in evaluating data for reliability.

E. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The Specialist exercises the authority given to CORs/AORs and activity managers and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission and Health Office policy. The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and superiors informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the Specialist may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity, issue, or problem. The Specialist has no independent authority to commit the USG to the expenditure of funds but may negotiate ad referendum for the supervisor.

F. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: The Specialist has a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with IPs implementing USAID-funded programs/projects/ activities in the sector. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staffs, 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, etc. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the host government, and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining and defending PEPFAR and USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret host-government and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials. In addition, the Specialist provides technical assistance and guidance on HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment best practices to USG staff, and host government and NGO partners.

G. TIME EXPECTED TO REACH FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: One year.

Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month from the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Public Health, in a field related to HIV, Health, Social Work, International Development, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Actuarial Science, Biology, Infectious Disease, Organizational Development, Political Science, Business Administration or a closely related field.

POST ENTRY TRAINING: On-the-job familiarization training in USAID and PEPFAR-specific procedures, regulations, and methods, and orientation to working from a donor-Agency perspective, etc., will be provided. Formal COR/AOR certification is required for successful performance and will be provided. Other courses, training to maintain professional capability in the field, and courses offered for professional USAID staff as appropriate; and, courses, seminars, conferences, and other activities in fields related to the function and needed to maintain and update professional qualifications as appropriate, as they become available, and subject to availability of funds.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Level 4 (fluent proficiency) English and Kiswahili proficiency, both oral and written, is required.

More Details on Experience

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of public health programming in developing or middle-income countries, with a focus on HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, is required. This experience must demonstrate that the Specialist has strong clinical skills in HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment. The Specialist must have demonstrated technical leadership in public health program management, planning, policy experience, and problem-solving skills while working on complex programs/projects/activities in a highly sensitive environment.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: The Specialist must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to managing HIV/AIDS care and treatment activities in the host country, and the problems and policies of the host country from the business, political, civil society, and social perspectives. The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of the host country and the region; development problems in the HIV/AIDS sector in the host country and the region; an understanding of the resources, resource constraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of the host country and the region; and, knowledge of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment activities, of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities.

More Details on Skills

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The Specialist should be able to facilitate and link culturally appropriate assessments, counseling, treatment deficits, and related issues and facilitation of linkages to food security programs, including water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion; and, be able to use this data for decision making. The Specialist must be able to provide technical leadership in HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment; and, apply this knowledge to advanced programming in the host country and the region. The Specialist must have the ability to present information, analyses, and recommendations in clear written and oral formats. The ability to independently conceive, plan, organize, manage, and evaluate important, diverse and complex work projects, to drive high-level performance and outcomes of USAID HIV treatment programs is required. The Specialist must possess the ability to respond professionally and adjust in fluid situations in order to meet deadlines in the face of competing priorities and time pressures. Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and tact, to work effectively with people at all levels in a culturally diverse environment, accept divergent points of view and help find consensus to achieve team goals, is required. Excellent computer skills including in Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing, including the ability to help others and to learn new programs quickly is required.

Terms And Conditions

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a resume/cv which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above.  As part of the interview process, those applicants ranked highest may be required to submit a timed writing sample on a topic provided.  The selection committee may conduct reference checks at any time during the selection process.

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. 

  • Prior work experience (30 points)
  • Job Knowledge (40 points)
  • Skills and abilities (30 points)

Total possible points:  100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. References will be asked to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria.   USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

 HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Register in MyJobsInKenya at www.myjobsinkenya.com

Step 2: Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages), a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report, and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload to MyJobsInKenya.

                                                         OR

External Applicants/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload to MyJobsInKenya .

Note to Applicants:

1. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com as stated in Section IV.

2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com/usaid. Late and Incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position. The closing date for receipt of applications is indicated above.

3. USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.

4.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

5.  USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.