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.: 72061525R10009
2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 13, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 27, 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 (Health) – Digital Health Solutions
6. MARKET VALUE: 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 September 08, 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

USAID/Kenya and East Africa invests in population and health programs at national and county levels that aim to improve the survival, well-being and productivity of the Kenyan population by reducing the burden of major infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and addressing the main causes of maternal and child illness and deaths. This includes cross-cutting work to strengthen healthcare systems and build capacity, and to support the national government to formulate key policies and guidelines while assisting counties to better plan, manage and finance quality health services to meet local needs. The Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) office is USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s (KEA) largest office, managing a portfolio valued at over $400 million annually. The office receives funding from a number of U.S. Presidential Initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Feed the Future (FtF) as well as other USAID health funds for family planning, maternal newborn and child health, nutrition, emerging pandemic threats, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

Reporting directly to the Health Analytics Deputy Team Leader, the Project Management Specialist (Digital Health Solutions) of the Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) is an experienced professional and technical expert in the design, development, deployment and maintenance of digital health solutions for monitoring performance and tracking progress towards epidemic control. The jobholder  provides Software engineering expertise to the HPN Director, Deputy Office Directors, Center of Excellence Directors for Family Health, HIV/AIDS/TB, Malaria and Global Health Security and Health Products and Technologies and the Team Leaders for the Maternal and Child Health/Reproductive Health (MCH/RH), Nutrition and Child Health, TB,HIV Care and Treatment, Prevention and Social Services, Malaria, Partnerships, Health Analytics, Health Policy and Financing, Supply Chain and Laboratory teams in the management of strategic information and data analytics under the HPN portfolio. The jobholder is a technical expert in software specification, software analysis and design, software development, systems integration, software deployment and management activities. The job holder will innovate, facilitate and promote use of the latest tools for designing data collection systems and databases that will guide program implementation and monitoring.

Working in close collaboration with the USAID/KEA HPN Teams and Health Information Systems (HIS) partners, the Specialist shall provide technical leadership and guidance in the design, development, testing, validation, deployment and enhancement of complex software solutions, using a range of technologies and platforms. The Specialist will provide technical input towards the development of the Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), Supply Chain Systems, Laboratory Information Management Systems, partner performance monitoring databases and any other database and systems used by partners and Ministry of Health (MOH) to track patient outcomes. Internally, the Digital Health/Software Engineer shall liaise with PMI, Family Health, HIV, and TB backstops as well as Surveillance, Monitoring & Evaluation (SM&E) and Data Integration technical teams at USAID/Washington and CDC/Atlanta, and USAID personnel working within and overseeing the Mission’s activities related to disease control. Externally, responsibilities include working directly with the HIS support partners within USG, regular contact and collaboration with counterparts in the Digital health and Health Management Information System (HMIS) Unit of the Ministry of Health (MOH), and other relevant government ministries and agencies, as well as a wide range of non-governmental and private sector organizations, other donor and international organizations, and other United States Government (USG) entities working on infectious disease prevention and control. As appropriate, the Specialist will provide managerial and technical support to the Digital health and Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) lead and the staff to build capacity within the MOH in the areas of systems integration, systems interoperability, Software development and database management and administration.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed.

Technical Leadership and Performance Management (50%)

• The Digital Health Solutions Specialist advises the HPN Director, Deputy Office Directors, Center of Excellence Directors for Family Health, HIV/AIDS/TB, Malaria and Global Health Security and Health Products and Technologies and Team Leaders for the Maternal and Child Health/Reproductive Health (MCH/RH), Nutrition and Child Health, TB,HIV Care and Treatment, Prevention and Social Services, Malaria, Partnerships, Health Analytics, Health Policy and Financing, Supply Chain and Laboratory teams, and other USG Offices on all matters in the area of software design, development, testing and validation, deployment and maintenance; and database management and administration; and management of host county data systems.
• Leads the design, development, testing and documenting of new and amended software components from supplied specifications in accordance with agreed development security standards and processes within the USAID/KEA Mission, while establishing a culture of adhering to software development standards and software development life cycle (SDLC) within the HIS partners and the Digital health Directorate and the Digital Health Agency (DHA) at MOH.
• Provides technical expertise and advice on systems integration to optimize processes and interoperability to ensure efficiencies by improving the delivery of health services.
• Provides advanced data management technical expertise to the inter-agency teams on the use of OGAC generated tools during COP planning, national technical working groups (TWG) during the development of national strategic plans and the development of national program and sub-national survey, surveillance and evaluation activities such as Demographic and Health Surveys, HIV Impact Assessments (HIA), Malaria Indicator Surveys, Health Facility Assessments among others.
• Participates in the national HIS TWGs (e.g. the EHR/EMR TWG, Digital health TWG) and provides technical support in the software development, deployment and maintenance standards. Works with the HMIS department and HIS partners in the evolution of the national HMIS system, the Kenya Health Information system (KHIS) and other related sub systems in the Kenyan Digital health ecosystem.
• Actively collaborates with HPN’s team leaders, national health programs including the Family Health Division, National Malaria Program, the National Aids Control Council (NACC), the National Aids and STI control program (NASCOP), the National TB Program, the department of Health Informatics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Department of Disease Surveillance, Epidemic, and Response (DDSER) among other key stakeholders, on digital health solutions and software development.

Database Design, Management and Development of Digital Solutions     (30%)

• Develop clear and well-structured data extraction, triangulation and analysis plans from the existing systems including the national HMIS system KHIS, the Public Health and Environment systems (PHES), Data for Transparency and Impact system (DATIM), Development Information Solution system, Child Protection Management Information System (CPMIS) and any other data sources including the HIV Impact Assessment data, Demographic and Health Survey data, Malaria Indicator Survey data among others.
• Provides technical assistance to the national government directorate of Digital health and the Digital Health Agency in the design and implementation of digital health solutions in support of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• Provides technical assistance to national and county governments, and the implementing partners on data management systems and databases for program planning, implementation and monitoring.
• Create appropriate documentation on software solutions products and processes including guidance to technical teams on the use of solutions developed.
• Provide technical inputs on evolution of data Management systems used to collect and report on HIV, TB, Malaria, Family Planning/Reproductive Health, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (FP/RMNCAH), nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmatic data

Program/Project/Activity Management (10%)

• Serve as Contracting or Agreement Officer’s Representative (C/AOR) for strategic information (monitoring and evaluation, health management information systems, surveys and surveillance) activities. Analyzes program performance data and financial reports, including reports on activity burn rates and pipelines and expenditure accruals, reviewing reports from partners with particular attention to activity and financial indicators.

Representation and Reporting (10%)

• Represent USAID at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to the management of digital systems for HIV & TB response, Malaria, FH/RMNCAH, Nutrition and WASH programming portfolio including regular participation in national level technical working groups and related committees.
• Using diplomacy and technical acumen, establish strategic working relationships with senior MOH officials at the national and district level, donor agencies, and civil society organizations to enhance regular and timely sharing of information on the management of digital systems that could affect implementation of USAID programs.

 

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

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in software development and deployment within the public health development projects that involve coordination with an international agency or implementing partner is required. Experience with relational databases like Structured Query Language (SQL), MySQL or Oracle databases is required. Experience in rapid application development and deployment, database management and user training on the use of digital solutions is required. Familiarity with OpenMRS, DHIS and Community Health information systems (CHIS) Platforms. Experience scaling/deploying mobile and web applications for multiple users across multiple locations.

Supervisory Relationship

The position works under a broad supervision of the Health Analytics Team Leader, who makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available. Completed work is reviewed for achievement of program/project/activity goals, effectiveness in meeting goals and objectives, and integration with other initiatives in the HPN 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.

Supervisory Controls

Continuing supervision of other Health Office and/or Mission staff is not contemplated.

Physical Demands

The work requested does not involve undue physical

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.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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)

The jobholder must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of software development and database management practices especially as they relate to health management information systems and other digital solutions used in the Health sector. The jobholder must possess expert computer programming and database management skills, an ability to rapidly generate applications based on provided user requirements in a timely manner. The jobholder must possess demonstrated competency in 4^th generation programming languages including python, php, object-oriented programming and relational and non-relational databases. The jobholder is expected to demonstrate knowledge of  emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and application in the Health Sector.  The jobholder is expected to have a thorough knowledge of presentation and aggregation software like Tableau, excellent working knowledge of Microsoft suite software packages (MS Excel, MS Word, MS Access and MS PowerPoint. The Jobholder must be able to proactively and independently identify secure software packages and digital solutions to be used by implementing partners on collection, management and reporting of performance data. The jobholder must be able to develop a variety of digital products for analysis, aggregation, and interpretation of data, including but not limited to country-specific workbooks, dashboards, data visuals, indicator and budget trend analysis charts, geospatial data mapping and program monitoring informatics.  This position requires a thorough knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire a thorough knowledge of USG programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and the objectives, methodology, and status of projects assigned. Extensive knowledge of the country’s infectious disease context including national priorities and challenges in clinical services. Demonstrated knowledge of the overall health sector context. In addition, the jobholder  must demonstrate extensive knowledge of Global Health, PMI, PEPFAR, and its current priorities as well as the key aspects of US Government foreign assistance to the country. The jobholder 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 jobholder 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)

Demonstrated ability to securely and efficiently develop robust software solutions, manage large, disparate databases and datasets, and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required. Ability to conduct introductory training on use of digital solutions, and requirements specification, and data digital data collection. Skills in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of digital solutions, digital standards, data protection and information security. This position requires experience in a management capacity, specifications gathering, development and testing of software solutions, strong interpersonal and team-building skills.  The ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions is essential.  The jobholder  must possess a familiarity with a wide range of programming languages and database management tools including open source solutions.       The jobholder must be able to prepare clear, substantive reports and briefing papers in English, in a timely manner, and have the ability to develop a thorough understanding of USAID and host-government policies and procedures.  The position requires flexibility, an ability to react to changing systems with sound analyses, and the ability to work under pressure.

Total possible points: 100

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Step 1: Eligible Offerors are required to 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.

 USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy atADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

By acceptance of the contract award, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

SELF CERTIFICATION

Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink]related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award. 

• For the Apparently Successful Offeror:
  • If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror. 
  • Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES MADE TO PREVIOUS COs FOR APPARENTLY  SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR

The Office of Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) operates USAID’s Misconduct Reporting Portal. Prior to award, the CO will email ELR at [email protected] to identify whether Agency records include any prior disciplinary action related to sexual misconduct taken against the apparently successful offeror.

If the apparently successful offeror has previously held a Personal Services Contract at USAID, the CO will attempt to contact the previous administrating CO to inquire about previous disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct against the apparently successful offeror.   

NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO)

For PSCs onboarded in Washington, the contractor must complete the information session on USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as part of NEO. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the contractor has completed NEO and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

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.

 LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO (A)	SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B)	QUANTITY (C)	UNIT (D)	UNIT PRICE (E)	AMOUNT (F)
0001	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]	1	LOT	$ TBD	$_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 OmbudsmanThe 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