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.: 72061525R10013
2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 6, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 22, 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 (HIV Prevention, DREAMS and OVC)
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 27, 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:

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

This position is located in the Office of Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN), USAID/Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA), and reports to the HIV Prevention and Social Services Deputy Team Leader within the HIV Team. As a technical specialist for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) programming, the incumbent will be a recognized U.S. Mission expert and a principal Cooperating Country National (CCN) advisor to senior HPN management on DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) and OVC issues. The jobholder’s responsibilities include provision of day-to-day evidence based public health technical support advice and guidance to Implementing partners, program and administrative management, coordination, and collaboration with other PEPFAR agencies in support of AGYW and OVC activities provided under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In collaboration with the Deputy Team Lead, the job holder will provide state of the art technical support and direct oversight for the design, implementation, and evaluation of USAID AGYW and OVC programs that currently span in all regions of the country.

The job requires public health technical leadership, results-oriented analysis, advocacy, and constant and clear communication with implementing partners, community-oriented support programs, civil society organizations (CSO), and the relevant Government of Kenya (GOK) ministries (including the Ministries of Health; Education; and Social Service, Children, Youth, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programs).

Statement of Duties to be Performed.

Technical Leadership (50%)

• The Specialist will provide strategic technical leadership and expertise to USAID on the implementation of evidence based, high quality HIV prevention in general but in particular for AGYW and OVC services within health facilities and communities, including community care, combined socio-economic empowerment and care. The incumbent will support the efforts of the USG country team to address the multi-dimensional needs of AGYW, OVC affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. The incumbent will identify relevant organizations for AGYW and OVC empowerment including improving the capacity of the host government, organizations, and communities to respond and contribute to their empowerment.
• The incumbent will maintain state-of-the-art familiarity with current, relevant programmatic research and apply findings and knowledge to program and project design, strategy development, project management and implementation in USG community care and support portfolio. In collaboration with the other relevant offices, the incumbent will participate and contribute to Mission-wide strategies, operational plans and new concept papers that promote sound public health practices and evidence- based methods while also exploring innovative approaches to accomplish greater results more efficiently for HIV prevention among AGYW and OVC care.
• The Specialist will work with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Education, Gender, Children, Youth and Social Welfare, and USG implementing partners to ensure that best practices for services and services integration are well documented, evaluated and scaled up. The incumbent will support the development of innovative, effective, context-appropriate approaches, will stay abreast of new technical developments, and serve as a technical resource for the implementing partners, GOK, USAID and other stakeholders.
• The incumbent will act as liaison for USAID on selected interagency working groups and/or GOK technical working groups (TWGs).
• The incumbent will continuously assess learning needs and implementational gaps and provide mentoring, including technical and leadership training to implementing partners, service providers, communities, and other team members.
• Together with the Deputy Team Lead, the incumbent will organize and participate in internal HPN team meetings, HPN implementing partners’ meetings and other substantive meetings with partners and stakeholders as needed. The Specialist will note decisions or commitments made, and actions assigned. the incumbent will take those actions that are under his/her purview, will notify others of assignments and follow up actions, and will provide reports in a timely manner.
• Prepares regular and ad hoc progress reports on USAID AGYW and OVC implementing partner activities. Readers of these reports include agency and post management, other agency PEPFAR officials, U.S. headquarters offices and are ultimately used in reports to the U.S. Congress. Reporting responsibilities are monthly, quarterly, and annually. Prepares the AGYW and OVC component of the annual Country Operational Plan (COP).

Program/ Project/Activity Management (35%)

• The incumbent will be responsible for programmatic and financial management of HIV/AIDS OVC related activities, including budget and pipeline analysis. Incumbent will be responsible for the monitoring of the USAID support for the OVC program through regular site visits, review of program reports, and frequent interaction with partners and stakeholders.
• In collaboration with Team Leader, the Specialist plays a leadership role, coordinates, and directs, as appropriate, USAID’s programs. The incumbent provides technical guidance and direction to implementing partners, and program collaborations on management and implementation of activities to be consistent with PEPFAR policies and guidance and host country policies and regulations.
• The incumbent will participate in the interagency country operation planning together with interagency colleagues. Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP). The Specialist shall assist in developing a monitoring and evaluation plan in line with the PEPFAR COP targets, as well as ensure that PEPFAR DREAMS, OVC and People living with HIV (PLHIV) implementing partners develop project monitoring plans and report in a timely manner on their activities. It is also expected that the Specialist shall provide expert advice and practical experience in helping the GOK and other partners to monitor inputs and outcomes, progress towards achievement of national goals.
• Coordinate with other USG-funded organizations to create programmatic linkages in prevention, treatment, training of community-based health care workers and other areas that facilitate a true continuum of care.
• Assist the COE Director and the Prevention and Social Services Team leader to manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices.

Representation and Coordination (15%)

• The Specialist will develop and maintain productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders including but not limited to - the GOK, UNICEF, other donors, NGOs and FBOs dealing with issues focusing on support for AGYW, OVC and Children living with HIV (CLHIV), in order to assure that all USG-supported AGYW, OVC and CLHIV activities are complementary with other PEPFAR, and other USG investments being implemented in the country.
• As a technical expert on matters pertaining to OVC and AGYW support, the incumbent represents USAID/KEA at technical, policy, and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with private sector collaborators and donor agencies. Briefs senior Agency officials, PEPFAR country team and interested officials of other USG agencies as appropriate on the results of such meetings and prepares written reports for submission to other interested parties.
• Represents USAID in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) interagency team (PIAT) in discussing and developing financial commitments and sets targets for AGYW and OVC community service programs at administrative and strategic planning meetings.
• Participates in internal and inter-agency PEPFAR working groups to ensure adherence to internationally accepted/directed standards for AGYW and OVC. Provides technical expertise and guidance to headquarters-based epidemic control teams (ECT) and other country teams.
• Participates in meetings hosted by the Social Services, Education, Youth, Gender and Social Protection and MOH on AGYW and OVC support, as well as participates in USG and GOK TWGs pertaining to HIV/AIDS support to these target populations.

Prior Work Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in health/HIV/AIDS programs with specific experience working in youth; DREAMS and OVC programs is required. Experience in technical oversight, development, implementation, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programs that involve coordination with an international agency and / or local implementing partners is required. Experience should demonstrate ability to manage high level coordination and relationships with bi-lateral and multilateral donors and NGOs. Experience working with U.S. government operations, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and programs is required. Demonstrated technical capacity to assess, plan and evaluate programs for quality and impact is required.

Supervisory Relationship 

The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention, DREAMS and OVC) is under the supervision of the HIV Prevention and Social Services Team Leader. Assignments are made in terms of overall objectives and resources available. Completed work is reviewed in terms of achievement of project goals, effectiveness in meeting host country and USAID objectives and integration with other initiatives.

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 Specialist must have thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS program design, implementation, and evaluation and in-depth knowledge of DREAMS and OVC program as defined by recent guidance from the PEPFAR’s Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS epidemiology and current strategies for treatment, care, prevention with emphasis on DREAMS and OVC issues is required. The incumbent must have knowledge of the different branches in the host Government, particularly the MOH and the Ministries/Departments of labor and Social Protection, Children Services, Education, Youth and Gender. Detailed knowledge of Government of Kenya health care and social welfare systems and structures including familiarity with Ministries of Health, Labor and Devolution policies, program priorities, and regulations, particularly as related to OVC is required. Thorough knowledge or potential to acquire such knowledge of U.S. Government legislation relating to development assistance and programming policies, regulations procedures and documentation is required.

 Skills and abilities (40 Points)

The Specialist must have management skills to develop, implement, and contribute to the goals set forth under the HIV/AIDS prevention treatment and care support program. The incumbent must have the ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and prepare precise, accurate and complete reports. 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. The incumbent must have superior analytical and communication skills to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues. The incumbent must have demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships across government entities, donor organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and private-sector organizations. The incumbent must have the ability to assist in the development/revision of public policies. The incumbent must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment and proactively work to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters is required. The incumbent must have strong computer skills and knowledge of software program applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other database software, and word processing programs are also necessary.

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, offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer failure to which one will not be considered for award. 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 and offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer failure to which one will not be considered for award.  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 at ADS 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 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