GENERAL INFORMATION

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

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72061525R10000
2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 25, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 10, 2024 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected]
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Laboratory)
6. MARKET VALUE: Ksh. 5,565,120.00 to Ksh. 9,460,674.00 KSH per year (including 13th month bonus), equivalent to FSN-11 grade level 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.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years estimated to start o/a June 15, 2025. The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature that will be executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to the availability of funds, the continued need for services and successful performance.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Cooperating Country National (CCN) (an individual who is a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country). Employees presently on probation are ineligible to apply.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Security certification issued by the US Embassy RSO.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The Project Management Specialist (Laboratory) position in the Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN) Office, Laboratory Team, serves as a Laboratory Specialist for the integrated health program (PEPFAR/HIV/AIDS, TB/HIV, Malaria, Family Health and Global Health Security Agenda) HPN Office. The Specialist serves as a scientific and key technical advisor to agency officials, host country national Ministry of Health (MOH), county governments’ health departments, implementing partners (IPs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the planning and strengthening of laboratory programs and activities. The jobholder is required to possess a high degree of competence and will manage productive relationships with national and county governments and implementing partners to ensure that all analysis and research in laboratories are carried out in accordance with program objectives and internationally recognized best practices. Partners include other agencies, the National Government of Kenya (GOK) and its host ministries, County Governments and its health departments, International Organizations (IOs) and NGOs involved in the programming and implementation of HIV/AIDS, TB/HIV, malaria, Family Health, Global Health Security Agenda and Health Systems Strengthening programs in Kenya.

The Project Management Specialist (Laboratory) serves as an advisor and provides strategic, technical, analytical, and management support on health laboratory and diagnostics systems management. The job holder will serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) and/or Activity Manager supporting health laboratory and diagnostic activities. The Specialist provides technical guidance to Health Office staff and leaders, the broader USAID Mission, implementing partners (IPs), the national and county governments, and represents USAID with the interagency, in technical working groups, and other fora. The Specialist is a key member of the HPN’s Analytics, Policy, Partnerships and Systems (APPS) Team. The incumbent reports to the Laboratory Team Leader and has no formal supervisory responsibility.

The HPN Office procures over $20 million in diagnostic commodities and laboratory reagents across its various program areas in support of the integrated health program that includes PEPFAR, Malaria, Family Health and Global Health Security Agenda programs, and manages clinical service activities which include laboratory support to over 1,000 healthcare facilities.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed.
Program Management and Related Duties - 55%
• The incumbent serves as the senior advisor for the laboratory systems and services within HPN and is responsible for planning and implementation of capacity building of all laboratories supported through the integrated health portfolio to ensure consistency of outcomes and results.
• In general, the incumbent reviews individual laboratory procedures, weighing against accepted national and international protocols and develops programs to ensure consistency.
• The incumbent participates in developing major initiatives and planning of all contracts/cooperative agreements that require research and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STI), malaria, maternal child health, Global Health Security Agenda and TB in laboratories throughout Kenya.
• The incumbent works closely with staff of the national and county governments MOH and cooperating partners to ensure that tasks are carried out in accordance with protocols and in a timely manner.
• The incumbent also recommends procedural modifications as warranted to align with investigative protocols and assesses national referral and regional laboratory capacity to support surveillance and diagnostics for HIV/AIDS and HIV-related illnesses, malaria, maternal child health-related illnesses, Global Health Security Agenda, TB, and other opportunistic infections.
• The incumbent develops strategies to strengthen capacities and capabilities based on assessment findings and introduce new diagnostic technology as it becomes available.
• The incumbent standardizes testing protocols for diagnostics and surveillance, develops and updates national guidelines for laboratory systems at all levels of operation and designs safety and anti-contamination strategies according to international standards.
• The incumbent develops standards which enhance the capacities of regional and referral hospitals for HIV/AIDS and TB testing protocols for diagnostics and surveillance, develops and updates national guidelines for all levels of laboratory systems of operation and designs bio security and biosafety strategies to obtain the utmost in safe working environments.
• The Specialist serves as Contracts/Agreements Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) / Activity Manager for programs implemented by contract, cooperative agreement, or grant, participating in the design of programs, the evaluation of ongoing programs, advising on best practices, participating in technical working groups, and helping to integrate laboratory programs into other areas of the HPN portfolio.
• The incumbent is required to keep abreast of current publications and information on development areas related to the position requirements including the concerns, and practices, in respect to programming in resource limited settings.
• The incumbent provides technical assistance to implementing partners with regards to their support for laboratory activities within the clinical facilities they support, ensuring adherence to national/international protocols, standards, certifications, and best practices as appropriate.
• The incumbent will participate in project planning including the co-creation of activity work plans with national and county governments, joint activity implementation monitoring and oversight activities and collaborating, learning, and adopting activities as well as results reporting.

Technical Specialist and Representational Duties - 45%
• In collaboration with the service delivery centres of excellence as well as PEPFAR’s interagency technical team (ITT), which covers laboratory activities, the incumbent will support the planning and drafting of the laboratory portion of the Country Operational Plan (COP), Operational Plan and Malaria Operational Plan each year. The jobholder will also participate in national level technical working groups (TWG) and other working groups as appropriate to ensure adherence to internationally accepted/directed standards for laboratories within Kenya.
• The incumbent provides guidance and direction to grantees, program collaborators and contractors on management and implementation of laboratory activities to be consistent with USG and international policies and guidance. The incumbent will liaise closely with all AOR/CORs that have a lab component in the programs they manage. They will also work closely with the Lab Branches at the Centre’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Defence (DOD).
• The incumbent promotes standardization of lab equipment and maintenance assistance and provides technical specifications for procurement of essential laboratory equipment and supplies in line with GOK and USG requirements.
• The incumbent works closely with the MOH and other stakeholders to develop accurate national quantification and forecasting for health laboratory commodities and ensures that nationally agreed upon laboratory commodities are included in the national supply chain plan.
• Prepares briefings materials for delegations, industry leaders and other visitors; participates in planning for visits and may serve as a spokesperson as required. Serves as control officer for site visits for agency and inter-agency PEPFAR senior-level officials.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the United States, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

Prior Work Experience

At least five (5) years of professional-level experience in public health laboratory testing procedures and systems is required. At least three years direct experience in clinical laboratory work, including molecular diagnostics, quality assurance and/or accreditation is required. Experience in program design, planning, and/or implementation work is required. Experience in development-related work, or related fields, donor agencies, Government of Kenya organizations, or private-sector institutions which included project design, performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data, is also required.

Supervisory Relationship
The USAID Project Management Specialist (Laboratory) works under the very general supervision of the Deputy HPN Office Director - APPS, and the day-to-day supervision of the Laboratory Team Leader. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments are self-generated, and occur in the normal course of the work, but the incumbent determines those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. The incumbent will seek advice and assistance as required. Completed work is accepted as technically correct, and the overall assignment is reviewed in terms of results achieved.

Supervisory Controls
Supervision of other USAID staff is not anticipated.

Physical Demands

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

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.

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications listed above will be evaluated and ranked according to the following job-related criteria. Top-ranking candidates will be invited for a skills test and an oral interview.

• Job Knowledge (60 Points)

Comprehensive knowledge and experience in advanced laboratory techniques is required including comprehensive knowledge of procedures for laboratory diagnostics and associated technologies. This position requires technical expertise, including in molecular assays, safety labs, opportunistic infections, maternal child health related illness, tuberculosis (TB), and rapid diagnostics. The position further requires a comprehensive understanding of budgets, quality control, accreditation, and good clinical laboratory practices in the field of laboratory sciences and practical knowledge of program and project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation. Thorough public health knowledge of current communicable disease issues as well as diagnostics is required. Comprehensive knowledge of the Kenyan government laboratory facilities, health care system and structures including familiarity with MOH policies, program priorities and regulations is required. The incumbent must have professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to the devolution of the health sector and the increasing roles and responsibilities of the Counties within this new formulation. The incumbent must have a good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance, of programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities. The incumbent must have knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of the GOK, and the role of units within each level, in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans.

• Skills and abilities (40 Points)

Due to frequent interaction with external stakeholders in high stakes environments, the jobholder must be able to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions and communicate effectively to ensure positive working relationships are maintained. Strong oral and written communications skills are required. Ability to analyze, understand and discuss new program design, management and implementation approaches is required. This includes the development of evaluation designs, use of reliable and valid instruments, and methods for data collection, analysis and reports. Ability to lead project teams and workgroups and to develop effective working relationships with national and international working partners is required. The incumbent will be expected to exercise ingenuity and tact in applying guidelines to unique and different settings, as the work is highly complex. The ability to influence and persuade others will be required to work collaboratively with organizations engaged in laboratory programs to adopt appropriate strategies for their program activities and to coordinate with partners on national strategic planning for laboratory programs. Skill in project programming, policies, and plans, and in developing strategies for implementation, is desired. The ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, program/project, and administrative matters, is necessary. The work requires good computer skills in order to manage assigned activities and to achieve set goals and achievements, both technical and financial.

Total possible points:  100

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

Step 2: Complete the job application at www.myjobsinkenya.com

Step 3: Internal Offerors/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 them to MyJobsInKenya.

                        OR

External Offerors/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 them to MyJobsInKenya.

Note to Applicants:

1. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com.
2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com. 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.
3. All Applicants must provide at least three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD 

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit any required forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Benefits and allowances are offered in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).

TAXES

CCNPSCs are required to pay PAYE and statutory deductions. All applicable taxes will be deducted from the stated gross market rate.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs 

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. 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
2. 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:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO (A) - 0001
SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) - Base Contract FSN - 09 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [ R497]
- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]
QUANTITY (C) - 1
UNIT (D) - LOT
UNIT PRICE (E) - $ TBD
AMOUNT (F) - $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3. 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.
4. 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.
   
5. 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. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected].
6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 - PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION - JUN 2023