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.: 72061525R10014
2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 20, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 29, 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 Supervisory Development Assistance Specialist (Health)
6. MARKET VALUE: Ksh. 10,848,997.00 to Ksh. 18,443,272.00 KSH per year (including 13th month bonus), equivalent to FSN-13 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 01, 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. A CCNPSC may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, and only in accordance with USAID, Mission and Chief of Mission policies. If remote work is authorized, the contractor’s compensation may be affected in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, the local compensation plan, and USAID policy.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Current U.S. Mission Kenya locally employed staff members who meet the definition of a cooperating country national and are hired under the CCNPSC or PSA mechanism. Cooperating country national (CCN) means an individual who is a cooperating country citizen, or a non-operating 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 (KEA) invests in population and health programs at national and local levels that aim to improve the survival, well-being and productivity of populations 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 entities to better plan, manage and finance quality health services to meet local needs. The Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) Office is USAID/KEA’s 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), and Feed the Future (FtF) as well as other USAID health funds for family planning, maternal newborn and child health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene. USAID/KEA has a Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and the Office of Health, Population and Nutrition supports the 4 Development Objectives (DO) namely, DO1 -Chronic vulnerability, DO2 - Well-being, DO3 – Social Systems and DO4 – Regional impact. USAID/KEA’s regional program is responsible for aiding and technical support to Regional Intergovernmental Organizations (RIGOs) and implements health programs across the East Africa region consistent with its Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS). The HPN portfolio contributes to the RDCS goal “Enhance East African-Led Sustainable Economic Growth and Resilience” by contributing to the RDCS DO2 “Improved management of risks that transcend borders” and DO3 “East African institutions leadership and learning strengthened”.

The USAID Supervisory Development Assistance Specialist (Health) serves as a Deputy Office Chief for the USAID/KEA HPN Office. The Specialist reports directly to the HPN Office Director, and working closely with the Office Director and the second Deputy Office Director, manages a 122-person office of three US Direct Hires, 109 cooperating country nationals, nine US/TCN Personal Services Contractors, and one seconded staff from the Centers for Disease Control. The Specialist provides critical managerial support to a large and vibrant portfolio that includes maternal and child health, polio, family planning, nutrition, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, global health security, malaria, and health systems strengthening, directly overseeing the HPN Analytics, Policy, Partnerships, and Systems (APPS) portion of the portfolio, which includes 57 staff organized into seven functional teams.

The Specialist has a lead role in engaging with the Government of Kenya, the Ministry of Health and other high-level ministerial officials at both the national and county levels to ensure success for USAID’s new development strategy. S/he will also represent HPN and the Mission with bilateral donors, UN organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. The Specialist oversees implementation of the Office’s strategic projects, to ensure achievement of the intended results, and will serve as Agreement Officer Representative/Contract Officer Representative (AOR/COR) or alternate for high-level collaborative activities within the Mission, including activities such as supply chain and health analytics, which underlie and provide critical support to the entire HPN portfolio.

The Specialist is responsible and accountable for the work of the Health Partnerships and Operations, Analytics, Policy and Financing, and Products and Technology Divisions, including supply chain and laboratory – across seven teams. Together, these Teams manage the HPN Office strategy and planning functions; budgeting and accounting; monitoring, evaluation and learning; communications; supply chain and data analytics; and overall program and administrative support for the entire portfolio. The supply chain portfolio alone is over $100 million/year, with additional major investments in Health Analytics and Laboratory. The Specialist manages up to 57 professionals, directly and through four subordinate staff (two Team Leaders, the HPN Partnerships and Operations Manager, and the Health Products and Technology Center of Excellence Director). These supervisors provide day-to-day guidance to 12 Program and Administrative Assistants. The incumbent serves as the Office Director upon his/her absence. This is the most senior Cooperating Country National (CCN) position in the Mission, requiring a seasoned and highly experienced individual, with exceptional leadership, management, organizational, technical, writing/editing, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills.

Statement of Duties to be Performed.
Technical and Programmatic Leadership (35%)

• As a technical resource and advisor, the Specialist advises on and backstops foreign development assistance activities in the area of population/health/nutrition. The Specialist supports activities within the population/health/nutrition sector by reviewing and analyzing data and providing assistance and advice on health partnerships and operations, analytics, policy, financing, products, and technology issues. The Specialist assists the HPN Office Director in formulating, coordinating, and managing strategy, policies, concepts, procedures, guidelines, and models for establishing programs in the population/health/nutrition sector. S/he analyzes constraints to development, both sector-wide and country-specific, and recommends courses of action.
• The Specialist will serve as an Agreement or Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or alternate, and/or an Activity Manager depending on staffing levels and program needs.
• The incumbent serves as a senior technical expert, assisting in the planning for a broad range of population/health/nutrition activities, including identifying opportunities for integrating development assistance principles with population/health/nutrition sector programs, specifically building health partnerships, strategic information and data analytics, managing supply chain operations and technology; participating in the formation of policies and guidelines to further population/health/nutrition activities in the geographic area; and, coordinating program development, implementation, and performance monitoring plans that encourage population/health/nutrition activities.
• As the most senior CCN professional in the HPN Office, the Specialist advises the HPN Office and Mission leadership, technical office team and Center of Excellence leaders, and project managers on important aspects of USAID programming processes, including the effects of U.S. legislation and GOK policies and priorities, U.S. assistance program objectives, budgetary levels and constraints, Congressional directives, earmarks and multiple funding sources which have a significant bearing on annual funding allocations to ongoing and new projects in the Mission's portfolio, and preparation of program documentation related to the above. Makes recommendations to the HPN Office and Mission management and USAID/Washington on changes in HPN budgets, with the intended result being Mission and Agency-wide changes to improve HPN Office program management and results.
• The Specialist provides HPN Office input for the long-term resource requirement section of the Mission strategy document. Provides HPN Office input for the Mission's annual planning documents such as the Mission Resource Request (MRR), Congressional Budget Justification, Mission Performance Plan and Report (PPR), the Health Implementation Plan (HIP), Country Operational Plan (COP), and the Bureau Budget Submission. Prepares HPN Office justifications and rationales for the requested resources for submission to USAID/Washington, State and OMB.
• The Specialist leads and oversees the development, management, and assessment of HPN programs in critical program areas including private sector engagement, health partnerships and operations, strategic information and data analytics, supply chain and technology programs. Participates and assists in the development of plans and programs for technical assistance, capital assistance, and other activities within the sector. The incumbent leads strategic development, implementation, financial management and monitoring and evaluation of health programs that complement Government of Kenya priorities. The incumbent manages a broad range of key activities including the development of in-depth analyses of existing programs and projects and makes policy recommendations to strengthen USAID programs.
• Accomplishes work related to the conceptualization, design, documentation, and/or management of centrally- administered HPN programs/projects in designated regions and areas. Programs/projects may be targeted toward a specific county, region, or they may be targeted to a specific development problem. Develops concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with agency regulations and guidance.
• The incumbent will have a central role in conceptualizing and operationalizing the HPN Office’s efforts to effectively advance Kenya in its Journey to Self Reliance (J2SR). This will include playing a leading role in reorienting HPN’s strategies, partnership models, and program practices to achieve greater and more durable development outcomes. Specifically, the incumbent will be working closely with Governors on devolution, with the GOK Treasury and COG on Government-to-Government (G2G) programming, and with senior GOK economists on health financing, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• The incumbent will respond to taskers and urgent requests by the Front Office and the Embassy, delegate tasks to appropriate office technical experts/project managers, write briefers and strategic documents, support and provide input into the development of new programs and projects.

Office Management and Supervision (35%)

• The Supervisory Development Assistance Specialist serves as one of two Deputy Office Directors, and helps the HPN Office Director to manage an office of 122 staff. The incumbent supports the Office Director in day-to-day management and oversight of HPN technical programs.
• The Specialist has direct supervisory responsibility for four Divisions (divided into seven functional teams) of the Health, Population and Nutrition Office – HPN Partnerships and Operations, Health Analytics, Health Policy and Financing, and Health Products and Technology (this last a Center of Excellence that includes supply chain and laboratory teams). The incumbent leads and directs the Division Chiefs in planning, budgeting, organizing, and managing their respective teams, which total 57 staff.
• The incumbent, together with the Office Director and the second Deputy Office Director manages internal office operations, including development and implementation of personnel strategy, workforce planning and recruitment of staff, budget and resource planning, implementation, and reporting, establishing systems, and ensuring the office is responsive to strategic opportunities.
• As a subject matter expert, advises members of staff and provides mentoring and guidance to newly-hired CCN and USDH staff within the Mission as well as to other Missions worldwide. The incumbent will train and mentor staff in all aspects of health program design, development, and implementation activities, provide technical support and leadership in the areas of reporting and documentation, monitoring and evaluation, and budget and data analysis. Additionally, the incumbent will coach staff to set professional development goals, identifying relevant training opportunities to advance those goals and strengthen the overall USAID/Kenya and East Africa Mission.
• During the absence of the Health Office Director, the Specialist may take on an “Acting” Office Director role and, as such, productively engage with the Mission Director and Deputy Directors, participate in senior leadership meetings and discussions, and represent the HPN Office in external meetings and functions.

Strategic Coordination and Representation (30%)

• The incumbent serves as a key advisor on health-related donor coordination activities and policy forums. The incumbent will represent USAID with a wide range of stakeholders from the Government of Kenya at the national and county levels, academia, research institutions, and development partners, as well as in a variety of settings with regional stakeholders.
• The incumbent will support the HPN Office Director to strengthen the USAID - Government of Kenya relationship in the health area, supporting state and county government engagement and coordination and staying abreast of changes in processes and policies to keep the HPN Office and Mission leadership informed.
• Carries out a leadership role in coordinating, planning, and management of activities related to health partnerships and operations, strategic information and data analytics, health products and technology, policy and financing.
• Coordinates assigned activities with host government institutions, other donor and international organizations, the Department of State, other USG agencies, and the private sector within Kenya and the assigned regions.
• Acts as a liaison with counterparts in other USAID regional and central bureaus, on behalf of the organization, to develop agency-wide policies, strategies, performance indicators, assessments, and evaluations of programs. Liaises directly with the USAID staff in the Bureau of Global Health (BGH) in Washington DC, orients the USAID/KEA health program to align optimally with BGH principles and program objectives.
• Represents USAID programs in Technical Working Groups and meetings with donors, implementing partners, and government senior officials in the partner country (principally the Minister of Health and Ministry senior staff), in regional settings, and with a variety of other stakeholders. Liaises with partner-country and regional officials of other ministries and government entities on health-related plans and programs. Leads the designated heath teams in collaborating with Ministry of Health officials, civil society organizations and incountry donors in promoting a country- owned program.
• The Specialist seeks out and establishes partnerships with in-country multilateral
  organizations, associations of health professionals, civil society organizations that advocate for health, and private firms to marshal complementary resources, foster country ownership and promote sustainability. The incumbent will maintain extensive contact with the corporate sector, impact investors, philanthropists, and financial institutions to further USAID’s programming in Kenya and the region.

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 ten (10) years of professional-level experience managing and implementing public health programs in developing countries, with an emphasis on establishing public-private partnerships, and managing large-scale health operations, supply chain, data analytics and strategic information is required. At least five years’ experience working for a U.S. Government agency, a development organization/institution, and/or a donor organization, in a developing country context supporting health development programs, preferably in East Africa or a similar development context at progressively higher program management levels is required. At least three years of work experience in a supervisory or managerial role is required.

Supervisory Relationship
The Supervisory Development Assistance Specialist – Deputy Office Director (APPS), will work under the supervision of the USAID/KEA HPN Office Director to support the USG’s efforts aimed at enhancing the Government of Kenya’s efforts towards to improving the well-being of Kenyans through health sector investments. Most assignments are self-generated and occur in the normal course of the work. The supervisor provides a review of the policy direction in terms of broadly defined missions and results to be achieved. The incumbent independently plans, designs, and carries out the work to be done, is responsible for a significant program or function, defines objectives, interprets policies promulgated by authorities senior to the immediate supervisor and determines their effect on program needs, and is a technical authority. Completed work is accepted as technically correct, and the overall assignment is reviewed in terms of results achieved.

Supervisory Controls
The incumbent is the most senior CCN employee in the Mission and serves one of two Deputy Office Directors for a large and strategically critical unit, in terms of supporting overall effectiveness of the HPN Office. The position has line management and supervisory responsibility for four Divisions within the HPN Office with a total of 57 professional and assistant-level employees.

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.

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 incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of Government of Kenya and regional health, population and nutrition strategy, policies, and development programs. Strong knowledge of social science research, clinical research, health technology development, data dissemination techniques, health policy analysis and policy development is required. Must have a thorough knowledge of health program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, data collection and analysis, and prevention techniques, along with a good understanding of supply chain issues and principles. Advanced knowledge of health sector issues, national and regional perspectives and programs in the USAID/KEA region is required. The incumbent must have a good knowledge, or the potential to quickly acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance, of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and those of non-state actors (i.e. multilateral and bilateral health partners, civil society and faith-based organizations and private sector). The incumbent must have substantial knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of government, in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans.

 Skills and abilities (40 Points)

Demonstrated diplomatic and leadership skills with strong oral communication abilities at senior management levels is required. Ability to analyze, understand and discuss new technical developments and approaches at regional level and program management and implementation approaches is required. Ability to lead project teams and workgroups and to develop effective working relationships with national and international partners is required. Ability to provide complex explanations, facilitate meetings and make oral presentations to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural contexts and exercise ingenuity and tact in highly complex settings. The candidate must be capable of working independently, prioritizing and managing several activities simultaneously. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is necessary. The work requires strong writing and computer skills with ability to produce concise and clear technical and financial reports. Ability to travel extensively within Kenya, and to multiple countries within the region is required.

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.

                     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 as described below:

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